Tribe files suit to stop Clear Creek restoration project

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) – The Nez Perce Tribe is suing the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest over claims that its large-scale timber sale and rehabilitation project violates federal environmental laws.

The Lewiston Tribune reports the Clear Creek Integrated Restoration Project is expected to produce 85 million board feet of timber, sustain more than 2,100 jobs and generate $60 million. The suit filed Saturday says the project will harm Clear Creek with sediment and negatively impact fish in the hatchery the forest manages.

The tribe has previously expressed concern with the project, but says the Forest Service hasn’t addressed problems it has pointed out.

Tribal Chairwoman Mary Jane Miles says the tribe “has no other avenue” to stop the project than with litigation.

Backers of the project have said it’ll improve fish and wildlife habitat.

–––

Information from: Lewiston Tribune, http://www.lmtribune.com