Group Loses Fight Over Gravel Mining Near Roosevelt Ranch

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal judge has upheld the rights of a Montana businessman to mine gravel near Theodore Roosevelt's historic western North Dakota ranch.

The Bismarck Tribune reports the ruling goes against the National Parks Conservation Association, which tried to force the U.S. Forest Service to do more environmental study.

The Forest Service last year said it found no significant impact with the project and issued a permit to mineral rights holder Roger Lothspeich (LOTH'-speech). He'd been trying to get permission to mine gravel at the site for more than six years.

Association Regional Director Bart Melton says the ruling is disappointing given the historical significance of the location.

Forest Service Ranger Shannon Boehm calls the ruling positive but says he wouldn't be surprised by more litigation.