Pays $400 Fine

Michael Berg of Pinon Pines, Executive Director of the National Forest Association-Los Padres reported he had been issued two USDA U.S.Forest Service resource protection citations for Violation of wood cutting permit terms and cutting of a standing tree. He said, and USFS confirms, he has paid $400 in fines.

Tom Kuekes, Mount Pinos District Ranger confirmed the report.

The investigation was conducted by an independent federal agent, who said such infractions were similar to "misdemeanors."

Berg had been seeking backing to be able to enter into a contract to re-open Mil Potrero Park, a campground west of Pine Mountain.

The Southern Sierra Council of the Boy Scouts of America appears headed for a successful signing of that contract instead.

This is part of the August 10, 2007 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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