A coalition of environmental and government agencies have filed lawsuits against the U.S. Forest Service to try to block a commercial logging project in the Los Padres National Forest.
The Forest Service has opened the door to a brush clearance, and logging operation in the Reyes Peak area, which is in the Los Padres National Forest northwest of Ojai.
There’s concern that the project could cause serious environmental damage to the remote wilderness area. Opponents say the land contains critical habitat for wildlife, and is culturally important for Native Americans.
A half dozen groups, as well as Ventura County and City of Ojai are seeking to stop the project. The project area is the size of 575 football fields. Opponents say the plan was one of a series of efforts by the Trump Administration to increase logging.
