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MARCH 26, 2001

The Kootenai Tribe is challenging a roadless forest initiative instituted by the US Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture because tribal leaders weren't consulted by the Clinton administration, says a tribal attorney.

The plan limits road construction on nearly 60 million acres of federal forest land throughout the country. It was finalized in January but has been challenged by Republicans and a number of states.

The Kootenai Tribe, a timber company, a rancher, and snowmobile associations filed suit in federal court in Idaho. The tribe's treaty rights are at stake, says attorney LeRoy Wilder.

Some Alaska Natives expressed opposition to the plan during the comment process. But other tribes have supported it.

Get the Story:
Roadless ban faces hard road (The Spokesman Review 3/26)

Relevant Links:
Roadless Forest Plan - roadless.fs.fed.us

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