Public Lands for the People, Inc. v. United States Department of Agriculture

ORDER

In 2008, the United States Forest Service adopted a “Travel Management Plan” for the Eldorado National Forest (“2008 Plan” and “ENF”). This plan limits motorized vehicle use of Forest Service roads and generally prohibits cross-country motorized travel.

Plaintiffs are miners. They challenge the 2008 Plan under twenty causes of action, most of which invoke several theories of liability. Broadly speaking, plaintiffs argue that the plan interferes with access to mining claims in the ENF. Defendants are the United States Department of Agriculture, its subsidiary the United States Forest Service, and four federal officials.

Defendants move for a more definite statement as to plaintiffs’ first claim, which alleges that defendants violated the National Environmental Policy Act. Defendants separately move to dismiss claims II through XVIII and XX. Defendants do not challenge claim XIX, which is a blanket request for injunctive relief, and plaintiffs do not oppose dismissal of claim XV. For the reasons stated below, the court grants both of defendants’ motions.

I. Background

A. Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Public Lands for the People is a nonprofit “nationwide organization of miners.”…