Two conservation groups contended that timber harvest plans developed by Sierra Pacific Industries didn't adequately consider the broad impact on two wildlife species, the California spotted owl and a small mammal called the Pacific fisher.
The California spotted owl is not listed as an endangered species, but is a cousin of the northern spotted owl, which is federally listed as a threatened species. The Pacific fisher is classified as a species of concern.
Sierra Pacific Industries plans to harvest pine, fir and black oak trees on the land by clear-cutting most of the trees on the land and then replanting the forests. The procedure of logging most trees in an area at the same time is known as "even-aged" management.
The high court unanimously ruled that the plans did adequately consider the impact on the Sierra Nevada region before concluding the two species wouldn't be harmed.
John Buckley, executive director of the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, said his group is considering whether there are additional legal challenges to be resolved by a state appeals court.
Buckley said his organization believes the ruling focused on a narrow procedural issue and failed to evaluate "whether clear-cutting has a significant impact" on wildlife.
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