Even so, the company modified its cutting plan and spent months trying to negotiate a compromise with the two women before the appeal was filed. Toby Thaler, a Forest Law Center attorney, said his group will pursue further appeals, even though the logging probably will be finished before a hearing could be held. Miller said she was disappointed but not disheartened by the board's decision. She took heart in the fact that one out of the three appeals board members was swayed by the environmentalists' argument. Chowen said she believes the complaint has successfully focused public attention on the importance of scenic corridors such as the Carbon River valley.
Plum Creek is a poor land steward.
Copyright 2001, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.