Forest official target of probe

Forest official target of probe

INQUIRY: The misconduct investigation also looks at two biologists. Earlier, a developer filed a lawsuit.

11:35 PM PST on Tuesday, December 28, 2004

By BEN GOAD / The Press-Enterprise

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Gene Zimmerman and two leading biologists are the subjects of an internal U.S. Forest Service misconduct probe, documents show.

The investigation, authorized on Dec. 15, follows recent allegations by a developer that the three Forest Service employees misused their positions to block a condominium project in rustic Fawnskin, a community of 400 in the Big Bear area of the San Bernardino Mountains.

It was unclear, however, whether the investigation was triggered by the federal racketeering lawsuit filed against them in November by attorneys for the development, or by some other complaint.

Zimmerman said Tuesday that he believes the investigation is standard procedure and looks forward to its outcome.

The lawsuit accuses Zimmerman and biologists Scott and Robin Eliason of plotting to stop Marine Point Development Associates from building more than 100 condominiums on the northern shore of Big Bear Lake. ......

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