New Shades of Wild West

0 Comments | Insight on the News, Dec 27, 1999

The U.S. Forest Service is suffering from "the open and flagrant lawless disregard for federal law and regulations in Nevada" according to an internal draft memo obtained by the Associated Press. The memo was addressed to Gloria Flora, supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. She since has resigned, citing concern about employee safety in the atmosphere of "anti-federal fervor"

In response to the problems, a team is being formed to investigate allegations of threats and harassment. Hostility, expressed in violent forms -- including several bombings -- has resulted because of Forest Service policies such as shutting down roads due to environmental concerns.

Forest Service personnel have been upset because, they maintain, federal prosecutors have refused to pursue charges in at least 21 felony cases and more than 50 misdemeanors since 1990 involving threats or intimidation. The prosecutors say they have resolved some of the cases and are ready and willing to tackle any new ones.