A FEDERAL JUDGE IN ABINGDON VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION THAT WILL PUT LOGGING ON HOLD IN WISE COUNTY. TWO ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAVE ASKED FOR THE LOGGING ON THE ISON ROCK RIDGE TO BE STOPPED. SIERRA CLUB STAFF ATTORNEY AARON ISHERWOOD SAID THE COURT RULING IS A HUGE VICTORY FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF APPALACHIA THAT HAVE SUFFERED FROM THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF MOUNTAINTOP REMOVAL MINING. A SURFACE COAL MINING PERMIT FOR THE SITE IS PENDING FOR A&G COAL CORPORATION. PENN VIRGINIA OPERATING COMPANY OWNS THE LAND AND HAS CONTRACTED WITH MOUNTAIN FOREST PRODUCTS TO REMOVE TIMBER FROM THE SITE. THE SIERRA CLUB PLANS TO SEEK A PERMANENT NJUNCTION.