Forest Service defends Twisp Restoration Project in Ninth Circuit

The U.S. Forest Service urged a Ninth Circuit panel to uphold its Twisp Restoration Project, a 24,000-acre forest management plan in Washington’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The North Cascades Conservation Council argues the agency violated environmental laws by failing to reopen public comment after a 2021 wildfire altered the project’s scope. Federal officials contend the plan remains consistent with its original goals. Judges questioned whether post-fire changes warranted further review. A ruling is pending.