LISA

Freedom of Information Act Request was denied, asserting more time was needed to consider the "roadless protection" plan than the 60 days states were given.

"What we're asking of the federal government in this lawsuit is to open up the process to provide a meaningful dialogue between the states that would have to live with the effects of this proposal," said Idaho governor Dirk Kempthorne. "Any significant relationship between the states and the federal government deserves nothing less."

Idaho Attorney General Al Lance called the plan "completely unacceptable," and said he is seeking a standard 120-day extension to allow officials and preservationists sufficient time to review survey results. "The project is moving so quickly that it is impossible to provide meaningful comments," he added.

Forest Service officials said the first order of business is to survey where timber has already been sold and awarded, then to evaluate areas in which timber has been sold but not formallv awarded.