Conservation groups: Logging project threatens East TN trout stream

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Conservation groups are suing the U.S. Forest Service over the approval of a logging project they say is endangering a sparkling trout stream in East Tennessee.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that the lawsuit filed March 15 by the Sierra Club and Tennessee Heartwood seeks an injunction on the 534-acre “Dinkey Sale” project in Cherokee National Forest, citing fears of soil erosion and compaction that threaten Tumbling Creek.

Last year, the agency said it wouldn’t consider the groups’ objections, saying their letter failed to outline specific laws or policies being violated.

U.S. Forestry officials last Tuesday met with plaintiff representatives and other stakeholders from across the South who said the top issues that needed to be addressed were transparency, trust and a lack of communication.