Opinion ID: 1359302
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to Meaningfully Disclose Old Growth Data

Text: WildWest next contends the data upon which the Forest Services bases its conclusions about the locations and distribution of old-growth habitat is inaccessible. It claims that [i]n order to be verifiable (replicable) methodology, the underlying `hard data' for each polygon should reveal how that polygon meets the relevant old-growth criteria for the particular habitat type. The Forest Service has claimed there is no more user-friendly way to format the data. NEPA requires that the Forest Service disclose the hard data supporting its expert opinions to facilitate the public's ability to challenge agency action. See Idaho Sporting Cong. v. Thomas, 137 F.3d at 1150, overruled on other grounds by Lands Council II, 537 F.3d at 997. We defer to an agency's choice of format for scientific data. See League of Wilderness DefendersBlue Mountains, 549 F.3d at 1218 (It is not for this court to tell the Forest Service what specific evidence to include, nor how specifically to present it.). WildWest does not contend the data is actually unavailable, and the format of the data has not apparently impaired WildWest's ability to bring legal challenges. Therefore, the Forest Service has fulfilled its obligations under Idaho Sporting Congress.