ELR Citation: 54 ELR 20101
No(s). CV-22-62-BU-BMM (D. Mont. Jul 1, 2024) (Morris, J.)

A district court denied summary judgment for environmental groups in a challenge to BLM's management plan for a recreation area in Montana. The groups argued BLM violated NEPA, FLPMA, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) when it developed the plan, and sought a preliminary injunction. The court found BLM assessed environmental impacts and recreational usage as required by NEPA, complied with the Butte resource management plan's management directives as required by FLPMA, and adhered to FACA because the recreationalists and homeowners surveyed did not constitute an advisory committee. It denied summary judgment for the groups and granted BLM's cross-motion.