SELC Staves Off Attempt to Fast-Track Logging and Burning Project

In Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest, SELC and Georgia ForestWatch have successfully challenged an attempt by the U.S. Forest Service to fast-track a controversial logging and burning project in the Chattooga River watershed.

After agreeing last summer not to characterize a logging and burning project on Brawley Mountain as “restoration” (which would have set a dangerous precedent), the Forest Service turned around and proposed a similar “restoration” project that would entail intensive cutting on 500 acres and burning on 1,000 acres in the Watergauge Road area. The agency also attempted to avoid an environmental assessment of the project, which is required by law.

In September, SELC filed an administrative appeal of the project on behalf of Georgia ForestWatch. In response, the Forest Service agreed earlier this month to go back and conduct the required environmental review—a process we and our partners will take part in to protect wildlife, rivers and streams, and other resources. 

Photo: ©Beth Young