Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: May 31, 2001


Contact: Mark
Pfeifle 202-208-6416

Statement by
Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton

Regarding the Alaska State
Snowmobile Association's
Decision to Dismiss its Lawsuit
Against the Interior Department

"I commend the Alaska State Snowmobile Association,
Inc. and the International Snowmobile Manufactures
Association, for their action to dismiss the legal
challenge involving the use of snow machines in Denali
National Park and Preserve. I look forward to working
with the Association, members of Congress and other
interested people, for their help in developing
solutions that will achieve both reasonable access to,
and protection for, the invaluable resources of Denali
National
Park.

"I have on many occasions stated that I wish to change
the tone in which we talk about conserving and
protecting our environment. I hope to foster a new
culture of
communications, cooperation and consultation - all to
serve the cause of conservation. If all of those
concerned will work together, there is no reason why
we can't
resolve this and other key conservation issues."


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