OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- A federal judge will decide whether an historic oyster farm can continue operating in Point Reyes National Seashore while the company's lawsuit against its eviction is being heard.

The U.S. District Court hearing on Friday is a last-ditch effort by the farm, which was evicted from Point Reyes National Seashore Nov. 29 after its 40-year lease expired.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said the lease was meant to expire so the land could be returned to wilderness status.

The Interior Department has given the farm until March 15 to remove all of its property from the park.

Oyster farm owner Kevin Lunny sued, saying Salazar did not rely on scientific evidence to make his decision.

Copyright 2013 The AP.