The U.S. Forest Service has rejected a challenge to the agency's management plan for National Forests in Southern California, including the Cleveland. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.
Environmental groups challenged the management plan two years ago, saying it would harm dwindling southern California ecosystems.
But the U.S. Forest Service turned down the appeal.
David Hogan, with the
Center for Biological Diversity,
says the plan for the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino National forests opens the door for the destruction of wildlife.
Hogan : The plans greatly favor commercial exploitation of the forests and very harmful recreational activities like off-road vehicles over conservation activities that are so important for protection of forest ecosystems.
He says road building, oil and gas development, and other activities would be possible on the forest lands under the plan.
Hogan says the four Southern California national forests are jewels in the midst of urban sprawl and among the last remnants of wildlands in the region.
He says the Center for Biological Diversity is considering what other steps it can take now to challenge the plan.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
