Environmentalists seek to halt logging on former state land

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Three environmental groups are asking a federal judge to halt logging on 50 acres of former state forest land.

The Capital Press (http://bit.ly/2ghaEQn ) reports that Cascadia Wildlands, Center for Biological Diversity and Audubon Society of Portland have asked U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken to stop tree harvest on the private property because it would threaten the marbled murrelet.

The judge heard oral arguments on Tuesday, but did not make a decision.

Attorneys for Roseburg Forest Products. Co. –which bought the Elliott State Forest parcel in 2014 — argue that the environmentalists have not shown any evidence the bird would be injured.

The marbled murrelet was listed as threatened in the 1990s and habitat protection has meant less logging in the Northwest. The tiny seabirds venture inland to raise their young and — like the spotted owl — depend on old-growth forests for nesting.

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Information from: Capital Press, http://www.capitalpress.com/washington