Appeals court declines to halt logging project in Los Padres National Forest
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Nov. 12 declined to halt a logging and vegetation clearing project atop Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak in Ventura County’s Los Padres National Forest.
Various environmental groups, plus Ventura County, Ojai and Patagonia Works, have sued the U.S. Forest Service to halt the project on grounds that it would violate environmental laws, harm vulnerable wildlife, and do irreparable damage to intact roadless areas of the forest.
“We had hoped the court would rule in favor of the planet, biodiversity and the community,” Hans Cole, head of Environmental Activism at outdoor apparel maker Patagonia, said in a press release.
“We’re disappointed, but the work to protect Pine Mountain will continue,” he said.
Cole noted that Pine Mountain is 90 minutes from Patagonia’s headquarters in Ventura.
“The area is important to our employees and customers because of its outdoor recreation opportunities, including rock climbing, hiking and camping,” he said.
The ruling comes four years after the Trump Administration first proposed the project, leading to significant opposition from conservation organizations, Indigenous groups, scientists, businesses and local governments, according to Los Padres ForestWatch, one of the plaintiffs.
The project’s opponents are considering their next steps, including whether to seek a rehearing.
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