Logging operation temporarily halted

LEWISTON (AP) - A logging project that has just started in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest was temporarily halted by court action.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary injunction Wednesday, halting the Little Slate Project. The emergency restraining order was requested by Moscow-based environmental group Friends of the Clearwater, which has fought against the project.

The injunction was to remain in place for seven days after a lower court judge in Idaho issued a ruling on a previous injunction request.

The logging project is designed to yield about 40 million board feet of timber and restore and rehabilitate fish habitat.