OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/501-4633
June 1, 2000

BABBITT TO DISCUSS PYGMY OWL HABITAT IN PINAL COUNTY

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will visit the Volcanic Mountain area in Pinal County, northwest of Tucson, Arizona, tomorrow to get a firsthand view of important habitat for the endangered pygmy-owl.

Media are invited to join Secretary Babbitt for a hike of the Volcanic Mountain trail on Friday, June 2. The hike will overlook the Tortalitta Fan area of the Upland Corridor.

"This hike will be a great opportunity to overlook a Sonoran Desert landscape that provides vital habitat for the endangered cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl," Babbitt explained. "At the same time, the hike will give me a chance to consider and discuss conservation opportunities with local officials and stakeholders as we go."

WHO: Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt

WHEN: Friday, June 2, 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

WHY: Hiking tour of Volcanic Mountain overlooking Tortalitta Fan area - landscape provides important habitat for cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl.

WHERE: Volcanic Mountain trail.

Note: Media wishing to join the hike should meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Park & Ride lot adjacent to McDonald's, off the Cortaro Road exit on Interstate 10. Transportation will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Four-wheel drive is needed . Bring hiking boots. At approximately 9:45 a.m., following the hike, there will be an opportunity for additional media questions at the trail head. Afterwards, transportation will be provided back to the Park & Ride lot. It is recommended that media use transportation provided due to difficult road conditions.

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