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Protect Our
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Working to preserve our rural heritage and quality of life in southern Indiana since 1985 |
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May 5, 2006: German Ridge Timber Sale Appeal Wins!The German Ridge timber sale would have clear-cut 355 acres, shelterwood cut 120 acres, and thinned 20 acres for a total of 685 acres of logging. The proposed timber sale also authorized the building of two miles of new roads, the building of two miles of temporary roads, and the reconstruction of nine miles of existing roads. The project would have allowed prescribed burning of 2,170 acres. Karyn Moskowitz of Protect Our Woods says: "The Forest Service was trying to log this partial pine forest under the guise of 'restoration of hardwood.' However, many scientists agree that the hardwood is already regenerating in these areas. The Hoosier National Forests is only a very small percent of the total forested land in the state of Indiana. A timber sale of this size would have been highly destructive both economically and environmentally." Here is the decision:"It is my decision to reverse Acting Forest Supervisor James Lowe's Record of Decision of January 24, 2006, for the German Ridge Restoration Project,Hoosier National Forest. Pursuant to 36 CFR 215.18(c) this decision constitutes the final administrative determination of the Department of Agriculture."The Appeal Reviewing Officer stated:"After reviewing the project record for the German Ridge Restoration Project and considering each issue raised by the Appellant, I recommend that Acting Forest Supervisor James Lowe's Record of Decision of January 24, 2006, be reversed on the narrow issue of cumulative effects as defined in Issue 7. More specifically, as mentioned in my response the Record did not sufficiently show the rationale for selecting the cumulative effects analysis area.'I'm also recommending the Responsible Official clarify Table 4-20, "Cash-Flow Comparison of Alternatives" (Issue 11) as it relates to the cost of road improvements, if used in any future analysis for this project."' Protect Our Woods
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Paoli, Indiana 47454
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