Following the release of a preliminary decision to move forward with a logging project in Ottawa National Forest, members of a Chicago-based environmental advocacy group are arguing the U.S. Forest Service did not properly consider the project’s overall environmental impact.

On April 16, the Forest Service released its draft decision for the Silver Branch Vegetation Management project. Covering roughly 177,772 acres in Baraga, Houghton and Iron counties, the project would clear cut just over 25,000 acres of forest, though it would leave some trees that provide seeds or habitats for wildlife.

Ottawa National Forest District Ranger Trevor Hahka told the Detroit News the project is aimed at reducing wildfire risk and addressing forest health issues, such as aging aspen trees, overcrowded hardwoods and declining conifers. 

However, the Environmental Law and Policy Center argues the draft decision to proceed with the project does not properly consider its environmental impact, or possible alternatives. 

“The Forest Service is clearly wrong to claim this project would not have significant impacts and should not be studied further,” Kelly Thayer, the center’s senior policy advocate, said in a statement. “The Silver Branch Vegetation Management Project is historically massive, proposing to log across an area of Ottawa National Forest nearly 1.5 times the size of the city of Detroit. It would clear-cut 25,000 acres and log an additional 55,000 acres of national forest lands, impacting wildlife, wilderness, mature and old-growth trees, and the outdoor recreational economy for generations to come. We intend to challenge this decision.”

The Environmental Law and Policy Center submitted joint comments to the Forest Service in January, alongside other environmental organizations. Among their concerns were the project’s impact on the endangered northern long-ear bat, plans to construct new logging roads and expand two gravel pits in the project area and fears that the logging process could similarly contribute to more intense wildfires. 

The release of the draft decision opens a 45-day window where parties who previously weighed in can object and request further review of a proposed project.