Bill Kronin, who filed the original lawsuit against the forest service, said another extension was granted because of the volume of information attached to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit was filed by Kronin stating the forest service had incorrectly completed an environmental impact assessment. The Forest Service, the lawsuit said, did not follow United States Fish and Wildlife guidelines during the cutting.

Jan Wilder-Thomas of the Shawnee Defense Fund said environmentalists are pleased with the decision, as it gives them more time to educate the public on logging.

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It allows us more time to do more organizing from the home base, Wilder-Thomas said. We will continue to work to get the word out that this place is in jeopardy.

Local environmentalists have been protesting at the logging site since cutting began. However, few trees have been cut because of the restraining order.

Wilder-Thomas said she was packed up and ready to move back to the protest camp, and was greatly relieved by the extension.

The logging is to be completed by the Carbondale Veneer Company owned by Stan Curtis. If Gilbert rules in favor of the forest service, then Curtis’ company will complete the logging at Cripps Bend. Wilder-Thomas said if Curtis is able to complete the logging, he will not do so until the forest service has closed the sale.

Even if the judge rules against us, Stan said he wouldn’t go in (to the forest to cut) because he doesn’t want to endanger anyone’s lives. Wilder-Thomas said.

Kronin said the extension will run until Sept. 12. It is expected that when the extended order runs out, Gilbert will have a decision in the case.

I think on Sept. 12 we will have a decision on what the judge intends to do, Holly Harris, member of the Student Environmental Center, said. The judge, by granting the extension, is still reviewing the case.

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Environmentalists are pleased with the actions of the judge throughout the entire case, Wilder-Thomas said.

He’s is taking his time because it is a highly visible case. He’s proved to be very fair, Wilder-Thomas said.

I’m pleased he decided at least to give us another 10 days to review the facts, Harris said.

Environmentalists said they will use the extra 10 days for planning their next strategy in the case.

Wilder-Thomas said she is working on a public service video about how the National Forest looks now and after the trees are removed.

I think anytime we can get an extension it’s good news, Kronin said.

Gilbert declined to comment on the case.