RECREATION GROUPS SEEK
INTERVENTION IN STATE LAWSUIT

January 17, 2000 -- POCATELLO, IDAHO: The Idaho State Snowmobile Association, the BlueRibbon Coalition, and the American Council of Snowmobile Associations have requested intervention in the State of Idaho Land Board's suit against the United States Forest Service. The suit alleges the agency failed to provide adequate time and information to comment on the President's Roadless Initiative.

The President's Roadless Initiative, announced October 13, began a process that will establish management criteria for 40 to 60 million acres of roadless and unroaded areas in national forests nationwide.

The three organizations represent a broad spectrum of recreationists in Idaho and nationally. They are requesting intervention to support the State of Idaho's position.

Adena Cook, Public Lands Director for the BlueRibbon Coalition said, "Our groups bring a broad range of interests to the table that is national in scope. Our folks across the country have told us loud and clear that they have felt left out and shunned by this truncated comment process. We intend to bring their concerns to the table if we are granted intervention. We are especially pleased to partner in this effort with Idaho and national snowmobile organizations. Snowmobilers recognize that their access to the backcountry is threatened by this initiative."

Cook continued, "We were worried when we heard the President's announcement, but when we saw the Notice Of Intent, we knew we were in trouble. It cited only comments favoring wilderness values as a rationale for proceeding. The notice ignored the many thousands of comments favoring diverse recreation and multiple use that our folks submitted. The first ten meetings in urban areas were rigged, and the rest were insubstantial. I was astounded when the comment period was not extended. It is unprecedented for the agency to ignore the many requests for extension from members of congress and the governors."

Cook concluded, "Our members are discouraged. They feel that the process has been rigged. We are committed to use every means at our disposal to make the process fair. We hope to accomplish this through our participation in the law suit if our request for intervention is granted. Our organizations are committed to working cooperatively with our land managing agencies, but we need a level playing field."