BRC and Snowmobile Community Pledge Defense of Yellowstone Access

GOLDEN, CO (November 11, 2004) -- The BlueRibbon Coalition and its partners renewed their pledge today to defend reasonable snowmobile access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks following the November 4, 2004, filing of another lawsuit by the Fund for Animals over Yellowstone Winter access.

The Fund’s latest suit came days after the Park Service released its formal decision to authorize limited snowmobile access to the Park. The suit continues the Fund’s familiar argument that the agency has -- now for the third time -- failed to analyze adequately the environmental effects of winter grooming on selected Park roads.

It is along these roads that virtually all winter recreationists access Yellowstone, whether to appreciate the wildlife and natural beauty with snowmobiles or snowcoaches, or to use these vehicles to access desirable skiing or snowshoeing destinations.

President Jack Welch summarized the reaction of the BlueRibbon Coalition to this latest development in the long-running Yellowstone saga.

"This latest suit surprises no one. Our opponents envision a Yellowstone without humans in the winter, and will never cease their efforts to substitute their vision for the reasonable view of the Park Service. BlueRibbon and its partners in the snowmobile community are reviewing the Fund's legal challenge and will take appropriate legal action, as we have since the beginning of this controversy."

Further information is available at www.saveyellowstonepark.com, including the latest updates on Yellowstone and winter access for this season to the Parks.