ELR Citation: 55 ELR 20093
No(s). CV 24-168-M-DLC (D. Mont. Jul 15, 2025) (Christensen, J.)

A district court denied environmental groups' motion to preliminarily enjoin a timber thinning project on BLM-managed lands in Montana. The groups argued the project violated NEPA because BLM failed to take a "hard look" at environmental and climate impacts, violated FLPMA because BLM failed to show the project complied with forest and wildlife standards in the Missoula resource management plan, and violated both statutes by failing to properly map lynx habitat and failing to adequately consider impacts to Canada lynx and their critical habitat. They also argued the incidental take statement, biological assessment, and biological opinion violated the ESA. The court found the groups failed to show that the activities authorized were likely to cause them irreparable harm. It denied the motion for preliminary injunction.