A federal court has ruled that the Hoosier National Forest failed to comply with federal environmental laws when planning large scale logging and burning operations affecting Lake Monroe, according to Nick Lawton, one of the attorneys representing Monroe County. Lake Monroe is the only source of drinking water for roughly 120,000 people in the area.
“Despite repeated calls from members of the public to consider more closely the impacts on Lake Monroe and other imperiled environmental resources,” Lawton said. “And to consider alternatives that could better protect the environment, the forest service failed to undertake that kind of rigorous study that we've maintained that federal law requires.
Lawton said that the ruling means the forest is now required to correct its violations before proceeding with the project.
Several unanswered questions remain, said Indiana Forest Alliance’s Conservation Director Rae Schnapp. The Forest Alliance worked with Monroe County to oppose the project.
Schnapp noted the fight is not over, as the ruling is still unclear on several elements of why the project is environmentally harmful.
“It doesn't prohibit them from proceeding with the project,” Schnapp continued. “It doesn't really consider that issues that we raised especially about the endangered species that we know are present in there.”
Both sides might feel compelled to appeal, as neither the plaintiffs nor the defendants feel they got what they wanted, Schnapp said.
National Forest Supervisor Mike Chaveas provided WFIU with a written statement about next steps.
“We are currently reviewing the court’s order in detail and considering next steps,” Chaveas said. “A healthy and resilient forest buffer is essential for sustaining high water quality for Lake Monroe. Every action we conduct on the National Forest is performed with water quality protection measures in place that are closely monitored and have been proven effective, including a full suite of best management practices.”
