Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: January 5, 2001

Contact: Tim Ahern (202)-208-6416
Marsha Karle/Cheryl Matthews (307) 344-2013

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

BABBITT WILL VISIT YELLOWSTONE TO DISCUSS
SUCCESSFUL WOLF RE-INTRODUCTION

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will visit Yellowstone National Park on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001 to receive a final briefing on the reintroduction of wolves in and around Yellowstone National Park. After the briefing, which will be held in the morning at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel near the park's north entrance, Babbitt will visit the Lamar Valley to see some of the wolves.

"We introduced wolves back into Yellowstone six years ago and it has been one of the most successful actions during my tenure," said Babbitt. "While we were optimistic six years ago, we had no idea it would be as successful as it has been. As I prepare to leave office, I'm looking forward to visiting Yellowstone one last time to see for myself this program which has been so popular with the public."

Who: Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt.

What: Visit to Yellowstone National Park to discuss wolf re-introduction.

When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 2001

Where: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, near the north entrance of Yellowstone


Note: From 8 a.m.-9 a.m., Babbitt will receive briefings on the program at the hotel, followed by a car trip to the
Lamar Valley to view the wolves. While wolves are in the valley, it is not possible to guarantee they will be seen
during this trip.

Contact:Yellowstone Public Affairs Office, (307-344-2013).


Media wishing to join the trip are asked to notify the Yellowstone Public Affairs Office by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 9,
2001. Weather conditions are unpredictable, but temperatures could be quite cold (-20F) and windy. Media are
advised to dress warmly.

-DOI-