December 2005, Newsletter #5 Welcome to the THE RED LODGE CLEARINGHOUSE, the full-service information source for collaborative groups throughout the Interior west committed to resolving resource-use conflicts. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is perhaps the most important legislative measure to ensure public participation in public land and water decisions. There has lately been much discussion about how to "improve" NEPA. A tough look at a key environmental law BRAD KNICKERBOCKER, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR 11/28/05 The National Environmental Policy Act—known as the Magna Carta of US environmental laws—is under intense political scrutiny. For 35 years, NEPA has required that everything built or operated on federal land that "significantly affects the quality of the human environment" be scrutinized for its impact. SEE FULL STORY >> VISIT THE NEPA TASK FORCE HOME PAGE >> New federal law encourages tapping of Indian resources APRIL REESE, LAND LETTER 12/01/05 Tribes can choose to forego the National Environmental Policy Act if the Interior Department approves a "tribal energy resource agreement," which would govern leases, rights-of-way and business arrangements. The new law also authorizes tribes to receive Energy Department grants formerly offered only to states for the development of energy projects and creates an Office of Indian Energy Policy within DOE. SEE FULL STORY >> White House CEQ chief endorses 'categorical exclusions,' management systems DAN BERMAN, GREENWIRE, 11/03/05 Federal agencies should make better use of "categorical exclusions" and so-called environmental management systems to improve implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act, the White House Council on Environmental Quality chairman said yesterday. SEE FULL STORY >> Judge rejects request for stay of 'categorical exclusion' ruling DAN BERMAN, GREENWIRE, 12/02/05 In his order Wednesday, Judge Singleton said the Forest Service "has legitimate concerns regarding community and forest health and safety" but said the service should use the emergency stay provision of the Appeals Reform Act. "The Forest Service has the authority to go forward with projects that are necessary to avoid irreparable harm from forest fires or other serious problems," Singleton wrote. SEE FULL STORY >> Necessary protections CASPER STAR-TRIBUNE 11/18/05 There may be places and circumstances in which it's appropriate to ease winter drilling restrictions, but lifting them across the board for federal lands is a poor solution to a much bigger problem. SEE FULL STORY >> READ MORE ABOUT LAWS AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT >> House panel to scope effects of lawsuits against USFS projects DAN BERMAN, E&E DAILY 11/14/05 The House Agriculture Committee tomorrow will discuss litigation by environmental groups that led to a monthlong shutdown of a wide range of small Forest Service projects, ranging from Healthy Forest timber cuts to weddings and the permitting for the Capitol Christmas tree. SEE FULL STORY >> Senator Burns, Chief Bosworth and others meet and differ on public land management KIRK SIEGLER, NEW WEST 12/02/05 Forest management decisions need to be made at the local level, with input from locals who will be affected, U.S. Senator Conrad Burns told an audience packed with government officials, industry leaders and environmentalists at a hearing in Missoula today. The Republican Montana Senator called for a more unified approach by the U.S. Forest Service as it conducts forest management plan revisions across the Northern Region. SEE FULL STORY >> Lake County, Oregon—a collaborative model The Lakeview Stewardship Group has become an inspiration in forest conservation by incorporating ecological restoration and community values in land management goals. The unlikely alliance has plotted a long-range strategy for the management of the Lakeview Federal Stewardship Unit which seeks to preserve a sustainable forest that will ensure quality of life for present and future generations. READ MORE >> READ OUR PROFILE OF THE LAKEVIEW STEWARDSHIP GROUP >> Restoration forestry—many challenges ahead BY GORDY SANDERS AND LOREN ROSE, PYRAMID MOUNTAIN LUMBER, INC. Restoration forestry is unique to individual landscapes, requiring "light on the ground equipment" with the latest technology and very skilled workers. As equipment costs soar and the level of logging activity decreases, many woods workers are finding other occupations. Where are the incentives going to come from to encourage operators to provide the services our forests so desparately need? READ MORE >> READ MORE ON LOGGERS IN TRANSITION >> HOME PAGE  |   CONTACT US