July 25, 2003

Associated Press

Beaumont, Texas - A judge lifted orders Friday that banned clear-cutting in East Texas forests to protect the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Federal Judge Richard Schell of Beaumont heard opposing arguments from the U.S. Forest Service and the Texas Committee on Natural Resources.

TCNR attorney Wendel Withrow told The Associated Press that if the Forest Service guidelines are followed in good faith and not abused, there won't be any problem.

The guidelines are meant to support both the trees and the rare woodpecker

The U.S. Attorney's office said the move affects tree cutting in the Sam Houston, Sabine, Davy Crockett and Angelina National Forests.

Federal prosecutor Matt Orwig said the ruling concludes more than 15 years of legal wrangling, regarding the Endangered Species Act.

Orwig said the decision will provide the U.S. Forest Service with the necessary tools to do its job.

In 1988 and 1999, injunctions were approved by the court to prevent the Forest Service from enacting its forest maintenance and bird removal plan.

Federal prosecutors appealed the injunctions.

Friday's ruling will allow the Forest Service to begin its recovery and maintenance plan within the national forests and grasslands.

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