Save Upper Echo Lake

Previously, in a post located here , we explained that the Forest Service agreed not to implement phase two of the Upper Echo Lake Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project until September 1, 2014, at the earliest.  The agency has since agreed to further delay phase two to October 15, 2014, at the earliest.  The Forest Service may agree to further delays in order to address issues raised about the agency's compliance with federal law.

Brian Freiermuth has reported on efforts to reintorduce Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog to the Desolation Wilderness to bolster existing populations.

In a letter to persons that hold permits from the Forest Service dated June 23, 2014, the agency indicated it has initiated "formal consultation" under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act with the Fish and Wildlife Service.  The letter indicates that the Region 5 office has taken the lead in consulting with the Fish and Wildlife Service to develop "a programmatic Biological Assessment and Biological Opinion" to include affirmative Forest Service actions that may affect the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog.  Among the recipients of the letter were persons who hold permits for cabins at Upper Echo Lake.  It is unclear whether the Upper Echo Lake Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project will be among the "affirmative Forest Service actions" included in the consultation, although the Project is within the known historical distribution of the species, the Project area includes viable habitat for the species, the Project area is proposed for designation as cr...

On July 8, 2014, Dr. Dennis Murphy filed a second amended complaint in his case alleging violations of law by the U.S. Forest Service.  It includes allegations that the agency violated the Administrative Procedure Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.