Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Bureau of Land Management this week finalized plans to increase logging in southwestern Oregon, despite protests from environmental groups. Rob Manning reports.

The BLM’s Western Oregon Plan Revision -- or WOPR -- has drawn opposition from environmental groups and criticism from Governor Ted Kulongoski.

One critique stems from the BLM decision not to formally consult with federal biologists about threats to endangered species.

That step is usually necessary, when plans could harm endangered animals.

Andy Stahl with the group Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics raised that issue during the recent protest period, but was rebuffed.

Andy Stahl: “BLM was on a path to follow the law, and then in July, decided to take a right turn.”

Environmental groups plan to sue.

BLM officials maintain the plan is legal, because scientists could still review individual projects. Nevertheless, the Obama Administration is unlikely to back the WOPR.