Montana biathlon course challenged

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Nov 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 18, 2008 at 10:13 PM MST

HELENA - Opponents of a plan to develop a military biathlon course on U.S. Forest Service land west of Helena have filed a lawsuit saying the agency inadequately considered environmental effects.

The Helena Hunters and Anglers Association is among those who filed the suit Monday in federal court. The case says the biathlon course on MacDonald Pass about 15 miles from Helena stands to harm wildlife and violate Forest Service standards for soil protection. Calls seeking comment Tuesday from the Forest Service were not returned immediately.

Plans call for a National Guard course that would be groomed and open to the public when not in military use. The sport of biathlon involves rigorous cross-country skiing and target shooting.

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