Sierra Forest Legacy v. United States Forest Service

ORDER RE: CROSS-MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

I. INTRODUCTION

This litigation arises out of an amendment to the land and resource management plans for the Sierra Nevada national forests, adopted by the United States Forest Service (“Forest Service”). See Compl., Docket No. 1. Plaintiffs Sierra Forest Legacy, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, and Defenders of Wildlife (collectively “Plaintiffs”) have filed a Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum in Support of their Motion. Docket Nos. 31, 32 (“Pis.’ MSJ”). Defendants, including the Forest Service, filed their own Motion for Summary Judgment and Memorandum in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment and in Opposition to Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment. Docket Nos. 33, 34 (“Defs.’ MSJ”). Each side submitted a Reply. Docket Nos. 37 (“Pis.’ Reply”), 40 (“Defs.’ Reply”).

Having reviewed the parties’ submissions, the Court GRANTS Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment and DENIES Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment.

II. STATUTORY FRAMEWORK

The Forest Service, an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, is responsible for the management of National Forests and grasslands. The Forest Service…