Residents Oppose Transfer Of U.S. 12

Environmentalists and residents along U.S. Highway 12 on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River may file suit to prevent the road’s easement from shifting to the Idaho Department of Transportation.

If the U.S. Forest Service gives up management of the right-of-way, there will be less public input in the future and the appeals process would not be subject to National Environmental Policy Act review, said Larry McLaud of the Idaho Conservation League.

“Now we have that right,” he said, adding the league will decide whether to go to court within two weeks.

Opponents fear the state may be able to chop down trees, spray herbicides and pesticides and change the road, which borders the Lochsa and Middle Fork rivers.

Both are designated as recreational rivers under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

“It makes us that much more nervous,” McLaud said.