Recent approval from Anaconda-Deer Lodge County commissioners to intervene in a federal lawsuit filed by environmental groups seeking to halt the Pintler Face timber project on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has raised concerns about potential negative economic impacts and hindering efforts to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risks in the area.
The commission, along with County Attorney Ben Krakowka and other officials, see the lawsuit’s success as detrimental to the local economy and have decided to step in as a co-defendant in the case to protect their interests. They believe that the federal government should cover any legal fees incurred if the plaintiffs win the lawsuit under existing laws.
According to Krakowka, the county’s stake in the outcome of the lawsuit is significant, as it could impact timber jobs, revenues, and overall economic activity in the region. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County’s representation in the case is being handled by Christopher Griffith with Haglund Kelley LLP, a law firm supported by the timber industry.
The Pintler Face project, located in the Anaconda Range on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, involves logging, burning, and vegetation treatments on a designated area to address forest health issues and reduce wildfire risks. The project has received support from local advocates and officials including members of the Anaconda Sportsman’s Club.
The lawsuit targeting the project challenges the adequacy of the Forest Service’s analysis and decision-making process, particularly regarding potential impacts on wildlife habitats and conservation efforts. Plaintiffs are seeking to block the project’s implementation through legal action.
Local stakeholders emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between economic interests and environmental concerns, recognizing the need for sustainable forest management practices and cooperative efforts to address conservation issues on public lands.
As the case progresses, stakeholders will continue to engage with the Forest Service and other involved parties to ensure a comprehensive and transparent decision-making process that considers the diverse interests and concerns of the community.
In the coming months, the court will evaluate the arguments presented by both sides and determine the future of the Pintler Face timber project, taking into account the various environmental, economic, and social implications of the proposed undertaking.
