Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2000

Contact: John Wright 202/208-6416

MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Babbitt will be in Page, Arizona July 14-15 to
Discuss the Future Management of Paria Plateau

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will be in Page, Arizona July 14-15, 2000, to meet with local officials to discuss the future management and protection of Paria Plateau near Marble Canyon, Arizona.

"We need to work together to recognize and protect the great qualities of this pristine and unique area," said Babbitt. "I am interested in discussing ways to improve the management of this area that will allow future generations to love, respect and enjoy it."

As part of the trip, the Interior Chief will be joined by local officials on a hike Saturday, July 15, along Spencer Trail to Ferry Swail Overlook. Media interested in participating in the hike should meet at Spencer Trailhead at 6:50 a.m. At Ferry Swail Overlook, Secretary Babbitt will lead a roundtable discussion with hike participants.

Who: Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of the Interior
Jim Matson, Arizona Action Committee
Joe Alston, Superintendent, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Pam Foti, Chair, Recreation Department Northern Arizona University
Maggie Sacher, Vermillion Cliffs Lodge
Joan Stavely, River History Museum

What: Hike and Roundtable Discussion on the future management and protection of Paria Plateau.

When: Saturday, July 15
6:50 a.m. Assemble at Spencer Trailhead (the hike begins promptly at 7 a.m.)
9:10 a.m. Roundtable discussion (Ferry Swail Overlook)
9:50 a.m. Q & A
11:40 a.m. Press availability (Spencer Trailhead)

Where: Spencer Trail. Media participating in the hike should meet at Spencer Trailhead, adjacent to the Lonely Dell Ranch. Directions: Take hwy. 89-A to Lee's Ferry Road, just before Paria River,turn north onto a gravel road toward Lonely Dell Ranch.

Hike participants should wear soft, comfortable shoes. Refreshments will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management field office.

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