Opinion ID: 3062246
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Internal Contradictions

Text: BCA first argues there is a wide disparity in the estimates of non-motorized users in the affected area, as evidenced by internal contradictions in the EA. In response to public comments about the EA, the Forest Service concluded, “the areas in question are used infrequently by non-motorized recreationists (indeed, if the opposite were true and they were popular non-motorized recreation -21- destination[s] or contained non-motorized trails, the proposed changes could have significant impacts).” App. 1118. But the Forest Service has also indicated that “many people value” the Middle Fork IRA’s pristine condition and the opportunity for solitude. App. 602. According to BCA, those two Forest Service statements are directly contradictory. Given the context, however, it is clear to us that, while “many people” may value the pristine condition of the Middle Fork IRA in general, those people do not necessarily value—let alone actually use—the relatively small Albany Trail area in particular for their non-motorized activities. Thus, we find no internal contradiction. The language is simply too unspecific to hold the weight that BCA attempts to give it.