Another victory.

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On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill, in Boise, threw out a 2004 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service not to list the species as threatened or endangered. Winmill called the decision “tainted” by meddling that kept science at arm’s length from the decision. Winmill blames Julie MacDonald, a former deputy assistant interior secretary, who, he said, “used her intimidation tactics in this case, and altered the ‘best science’ to fit a not-warranted decision,” according to the Idaho Statesman.

Definitely a controversial plan. Earlier this week I posted George Wuerthner’s very interesting column that opposed the plan, and now I’m posting a viewpoint that favors the plan.

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Two years ago, representatives from several timber companies and conservation groups got together to talk about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Some agreed to meet because there were concerns about the U.S. Forest Service’s proposal to reduce the number of acres available for harvest in Montana’s largest national forest. Others were worried about the lack of environmental protections in the Forest Service plan.

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Vegetation and soil took up only 330 million metric tons of carbon, down from a yearly average of 650 million metric tons.

Humans and other animals breathe in oxygen and emit carbon dioxide. The burning of fossil fuels also emits carbon dioxide.

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BILLINGS, Mont. — Most of the newer model snowmobiles certified to operate in Yellowstone National Park bump up against noise and carbon monoxide limits set by park officials.

And for eight that exceed those limits, the National Park Service is requiring special kits that stop the throttle from opening all the way.

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Fees would be initiated at 11 campgrounds or trailheads and increased at six others in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s draft five-year recreation facilities plan.