Sonora, CA — The Pacific Legal Foundation has taken action to derail efforts by environmentalists to block what it calls sound forest management in Tuolumne County and surrounding areas.

PLF´s clients are the Tuolumne County Alliance for Resources and Environment, Sierra Resource Management, Inc., Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce, and California Forest Counties Schools Coalition.

At issue is a timber salvage operation that was devised by federal officials in the wake of massive fires that took place in October 2004. The case is Earth Island Institute versus the United States Forest Service.

Reports indicate the plaintiffs contend that the salvage plan violates federal environmental law.

PLF Attorney Damien Schiff says his efforts in the case on behalf of a cross-section of the Tuolumne and timber communities reflect the belief that the public interest is not served when essential forest health projects are snuffed out by reckless and ideologically driven litigation.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh