A court denied efforts by some environmental groups to force a study of some fuel reduction projects in the Los Padres National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service wants to remove trees, and brush from about 2800 acres of land in remote areas of the Mt. Pinos Ranger District. Forest officials say the plans are to remove some dead, or dying trees damaged by bark beetles, as well as creating some fuel breaks to stop the spread of wildfires.
The Forest Service contends that scientific evidence back the projects. But, some conservation groups sued, claiming that full environmental impact reports should be done first.
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court denied petitions to rehear challenges in the case, clearing the way for the Forest Service to begin the work.
