Two conservation groups filed a federal lawsuit this week, challenging the 2018 Flathead Forest Plan.
WildEarth Guardians and Western Watersheds Project say the 10 to 15 year management plan for the 2.4 million acre forest decreases habitat protections for wildlife, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx and bull trout.
“Such as increased potential for road building, more motorized recreation — particularly oversnow recreation — in key habitat areas,” says Josh Osher of the Western Watersheds Project.
Osher says the plan also downplays the impacts of climate change.