Proposal in owl case allows for cutting of US Capitol tree

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It will be up to a federal judge to sign off on a proposed order that would clear the way for a tree to be cut and displayed outside the U.S. Capitol building over the holidays.
The proposal the result of an agreement reached Monday between environmentalists and the U.S. Forest Service in a case centered on the threatened Mexican spotted owl.
The plan allows personal Christmas tree-cutting permits, prescribed fires with stipulations and commercial firewood gatherin