Fighting for Transparency on NW Forest Plan
New case filed! On December 5th, 2025, Crag filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Oregon Wild to get the U.S. Forest Service to share important public records. These documents are part of the Northwest Forest Plan Amendment—a massive plan affecting over 24 million acres of forests in Oregon, Washington, and California.
What’s at Stake
The NW Forest Plan Amendment could open hundreds of thousands of acres to logging, including habitat for endangered species, and change how Tribes are consulted about public lands. Conservation groups, Tribes, and the public need access to these records to understand what’s happening and have a voice in the process. We’re bringing this lawsuit to help:
Crag attorneys Oliver and Kelsey outside the courthouse before an oral argument.
Hold decision-makers accountable:
Laws like the Freedom of Information Act are an important tool for people to monitor government activities and ensure their decisions remain accountable to the public. When government agencies substantially deny or delay FOIA requests, they deny everyday people the ability to hold the government accountable for responsibly managing our public lands.
Photo by Frank D. Lospalluto via Flickr.
Protect wildlife and ecosystems:
Proposed changes to the NW Forest Plan Amendment would open up hundreds of thousands more acres to logging, destroying wildlife habitat for threatened species like the northern spotted owl.
Photo by Ben Herndon, CC BY 2.0.
Amplify Tribal voices:
The NW Forest Plan amendment proposes important changes that would strengthen government collaboration with Tribes and improve the tribal consultation process. But the Forest Service is leaving us in the dark about their plans and timelines to share this information with the public!
What’s Happened
Oregon Wild requested these documents back in May 2025. And despite federal law requiring agencies to respond within 20 days, it’s been nearly eight months later, and the Forest Service hasn’t provided any records—or even a timeline for when they might. That’s why we stepped in.
Why It’s Important
Government transparency isn’t just the law, it’s how communities stay informed and hold decision-makers accountable. By pushing for these documents, we’re helping ensure everyone—from conservation groups to Tribes to everyday citizens—can see what’s happening and participate in protecting our forests and wildlife.
Crag attorneys Kelsey and Rebeka outside the Oregon Capitol.
Our Clients
We are proud to represent Oregon Wild, an environmental nonprofit working to protect wildlands, wildlife, and waters for generations to come.
Resources
You can learn more about the history of the NW Forest Plan from Oregon Wild’s website:
- https://oregonwild.org/our-work/defending-forests-public-lands/defending-the-northwest-forest-plan/
- https://oregonwild.org/analysis-northwest-forest-plan-proposal/
- https://oregonwild.org/amending-northwest-forest-plan/
- https://oregonwild.org/us-forest-service-launches-bid-to-alter-northwest-forest-plan/