Groups sue to stop Pintler Face timber project

Sean Steinebach describes acreage included in the Pintler Face project on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest as “a forest health disaster.”

Steinebach works as a forester for Sun Mountain Lumber in Deer Lodge.

Chris Marchion says historic logging by the Anaconda Company, followed by timber cutting in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s had “logged the bejesus out of much of the area” and left a network of high-standard roads. Many were later closed. In many places, large, even-aged, over-mature stands of lodgepole pines remain, Marchion said.

Marchion is an inductee into the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame, a longtime advocate for wildlife and public lands access and a member of the Anaconda Sportsmen’s Club.

Three environmental groups are suing to stop the Pintler Face timber project on the south face of the Anaconda Range. Some work is already underway. 

Duncan Adams, The Montana Standard

Both Marchion and Steinebach live in Anaconda-Deerlodge County. Both are members of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Working Group, a citizens group representing diverse interests. Members represent conservation, hunting and fishing, timber, outfitters and guides, agriculture/ranching, recreation and more.

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