National forests in San Diego County and other parts of southern California are among those affected by a settlement this week between the state attorney general's office and federal authorities.
The settlement means that backroads planned for the Cleveland National Forest will not be constructed without serious reconsideration of its impacts on the wilderness, according to a statemen by the office of Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr.
A number of agencies, including the attorney general's office, had sued the U.S. Forest Service over plans for the construction of roads through wildlands in the Cleveland, San Bernardino Los Padres, and Angeles national forests.
Some 900,000 acres of the forests are undeveloped, leaving residents to enjoy communing with nature in as close to a natural state as possible via such activities as camping, fishing, hunting and picnicking.
Those who brought the suit believed the Forest Service had not adequately analyzed the environmental impact of various "non-wilderness uses" and had failed to consult with California state officials.
The plans would have paved the way for new roads and trails for off-road vehicles and other uses, Brown's office said.
Under the settlement, as many as 37 new wilderness or roadless areas may be designated in the federal lands. In addition, restoration efforts must be taken in affected wilderness areas and the feds must work in collaboration with state and environmental groups.
Here's a link to the news release and a full copy of the settlement.
You can learn more about the many activities possible in the Cleveland National Forest, by following this link.
Comments