Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: June 15, 2000

Contact: Mike Gauldin
or John Wright 202/208-6416

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Babbitt will Travel to Tennessee June 17,
to Announce a Decision on Mining at Fall Creek Falls

The decision by the Interior Secretary is expected to end a 10-year
battle between environmental groups and mining companies

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will travel to Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee on June 17, 2000, to announce whether surface coal mining operations will be allowed in and around Falls Creek Fall State Park. The announcement is expected to end a 10-year battle between environmental groups and mining companies in the area.

"Coal mining is an important part of our lives," said Babbitt. "Our parks are the magnificent windows through which the American people rediscover and renew their connection to the land. We don't have to sacrifice one for the other."

The Interior chief will hike to the Fall Creek Falls State Park Overlook. Media are invited to assemble at the overlook at 10:30. a.m. Upon the Secretary's arrival at the overlook, there will be a photo opportunity at 10:45 a.m. Moving to an adjacent area at 11:00 a.m., the Secretary will make the announcement and sign a decision document regarding the unsuitability of coal mining in the area.

Who: Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior
Justin Wilson, Deputy to Governor for the State of Tennessee
Patrice Cole, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Protection
Rita Pruett, Proprietor of Fall Creek Falls Bed and Breakfast
Landon Medley, Save Our Cumberland Mountains
Don Barger, National Parks and Conservation Association

What: Tour Fall Creek Falls and announce unsuitability of mining

When: Saturday, June 17, 2000
10:45 a.m. Photo Opportunity at Fall Creek Falls Overlook
11:00 a.m. Announcement and press availability at adjacent site

Where: Fall Creek Falls Overlook

Directions: Just off of Scenic Drive

Why: To end the battle between environmental groups and mining companies

Note to Editor: Media interested in covering the event should meet at the Fall Creek Falls Overlook promptly at 10:30 a.m. Television camera crews are encouraged to set up their equipment at the Overlook to get visuals of the Secretary and others joining him on the hike. The announcement will be made at a site next to the Overlook.

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