A Missoula environmental group has sued the Kootenai National Forest over a forest management project in the Yaak, claiming it will impact essential habitat for grizzly bears and Canada lynx.

The Western Environmental Law Center filed the lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court on behalf of the Alliance for Wild Rockies.

The Young Dodge project includes 2,492 acres of logging, including clear cuts larger than 40 acres; 3,986 acres of prescribed burning; maintenance and improvements on 97 miles of forest roads; and nearly 9 miles of new roads.

The project area in the Young and Dodge Creek drainages encompasses nearly 38,000 acres. It is expected to produce about 9.7 million board feet of timber.

The Alliance for the Wild Rockies contends the logging and road work involved with the project could displace grizzly bears for up to 10 years.

The imperiled Cabinet-Yaak grizzly bear population has been estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to number just 45 bears. However, a genetics-based study being led by the U.S. Geological Survey is expected to produce a more accurate population estimate in the near future.

“We haven’t seen an industrial logging project like this in years and never one in occupied, critical habitat for lynx,”  plaintiff’s attorney Matthew Bishop said. “It’s important that we hold the Forest Service accountable. Our environmental laws embody our values and priorities as a nation and ensure important habitat for imperiled species like grizzlies and lynx is protected. Unless these laws are enforced, they’re meaningless.”

Kootenai Forest officials declined to comment on active litigation.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at [email protected].