SIERRA SNOWMOBILE FOUNDATION, a nonprofit corporation; JEFF WITTMAN; MARY KRUPKA; JOHN WATTS; BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC, a nonprofit corporation; et al. v. UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, Pacific Southwest Region; JASON KUIKEN, et. al.

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Description

A coalition of over-snow vehicle (OSV) organizations has sued the U.S. Forest Service in federal court, challenging the agency’s decision to reduce available acreage for OSV trails in Stanislaus National Forest, California. In designating OSV trails, “the Forest Service must consider and apply specific criteria with the objective of minimizing damage to forest resources, harassment of wildlife, disruption of wildlife habitat, and conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or propped recreational uses of the national forest.” Plaintiffs allege the agency made its decision without evidence of substantial adverse impact by OSV operation on any one species in the affected area and are seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.

[To accompany Federal Case Law Update "Snowmobile Enthusiasts Challenge Forest Service’s Reduction of California Trails" from Brooks Animal Law Digest Issue No. 108.]