There has been a lot of focus on the issues of fire mitigation clearing on the D&S corridor and D&S working on their washed out bridge. With both issues, the Forest Service is claiming to have authority over these projects. But there is a third issue that seems more serious, and I have seen no discussion of it so far. The following quote in blue is from the Durango Herald:
durangoherald.com/.../331796-judge-denies-request-by-durango-train-to-resume-fire-mitigation-bridge-repair
“Jacob Licht, assistant U.S. attorney, wrote in an email June 25 that the 416 Fire lawsuit had to be delayed “due to the railroad’s recent trespass activities whereby the railroad clear-cut significant portions of the San Juan National Forest without a permit or other permission.””
I believe I also read about this in another Durango Herald article. Although no mention has been made as to the amount of clear-cutting being referenced, it does seem obvious that they are not referring to the disputed clear cutting within the D&S corridor. Instead, they seem to be referring to D&S clear cutting within the actual National Forest, outside of the D&S rail corridor.
Does anyone have any information about this matter?