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PLUM CREEK LAND EXCHANGE - POLICY ISSUES AND CONCEPTS

The Role of the U.S. Forest Service

The Forest Service negotiated the details of the land exchange with Plum Creek, until congressman stepped in to manage the process. The agency provided technical expertise throughout the negotiations by providing economic evaluations and an environmental impact statement of the exchange. Environmental groups filed an administrative appeal with the Forest Service after the first land exchange deal, citing that the exchange would violate the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and other laws. The appeal was dismissed by the the Forest Service's Northwest regional office.