Judge Rules Forest Service Violated Endangered Species Act, Impacting Grizzly Bear Protections Amid Ongoing Review.

A federal magistrate judge has found merit in environmentalists’ claims that the Forest Service violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to properly consider the impact of ineffective road closures on grizzly bears. This ruling comes as the Fish and Wildlife Service prepares a broader decision on whether the grizzly bear still warrants ESA protections. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto found that the Flathead National Forest planners relied on a flawed biological opinion from the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS). DeSato also highlighted the potential impact of culvert removals on habitat and species.