American Forest Resource Council

AFRC Legal Program

AFRC’s Legal Program advocates for our members inside and outside the courtroom.  Our program often intervenes in defense of forest management projects.  The program also engages in federal regulatory rulemaking and other legal matters affecting our members’ ability to operate throughout the West.

Legal Program Staff

Sara Ghafouri, General Counsel

Sarah Melton, Staff Attorney

Selected Key Accomplishments

  • Led a coalition representing counties, business and labor in reaching a settlement agreement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to initiate a public regulatory rulemaking process for revaluating critical habitat designated for the Northern Spotted Owl under the Endangered Species Act.
  • Secured major decision upholding the O&C Act mandate to manage the lands for permanent forest production.
  • Joined 16 forestry associations in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court to protect Forest Service jurisdiction over National Forest System lands.

Resources