A FEDERAL COURT JUDGE IS EXPECTED TO RULE THIS WEEK ON THE ISSUE OF WHETHER CLEAR CUTTING OF TIMBER AT THE PROPOSED SITE OF A SURFACE MINE IN WISE COUNTY SHOULD BE REGULATED UNDER MINING LAWS. THE RULING COULD CHANGE STATE REGULATORY PRACTICE THAT HAS EXISTED FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS. FEDERAL JUDGE GLEN WILLIAMS ISSUED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION LAST MONDAY THAT STOPPED MOUNTAIN FOREST PRODUCTS FROM LOGGING AT ISON ROCK RIDGE. TWO ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS FILED A LAWSUIT LAST WEEK AGAINST U.S. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR ASKING THE COURT TO ORDER HIM TO ISSUE CESSATION ORDERS TO STOP THE CLEAR CUTTING. MAGISTRATE JUDGE PAMELA SARGENT IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A RULING SOON.