Say What!?!?

[Grumpy]

BLUERIBBON COALITION, INC.

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Don Amador
Phone: 925-625-6287; 925-783-1834
Date: May 1, 2008

RECREATION WRONGLY TARGETED IN CLEAR CREEK CLOSURE

BOISE, ID - May 1 - Recreation groups expressed dismay at the surprise announcement that federal agencies are closing approximately 31,000 acres of public land in Central California. The Clear Creek Management Area ("CCMA"), located in San Benito County and managed by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), is one of the most popular off-highway vehicle recreation sites in the West.

BLM yesterday announced it would immediately close roughly half of the CCMA as a result of a new EPA report alleging an increased long-term cancer risk associated with recreational activities in the CCMA. The CCMA contains a form of naturally occurring asbestos known as Coalinga chrysotile. Despite years of study and intensive use of the area, EPA's latest report apparently makes new findings determining the risk levels to be above the range that EPA considers acceptable.

"We dispute not only these findings, but the manner in which they have been presented and imposed upon the public," said Don Amador, Western Representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, a recreation advocacy group. "This topic has been debated at length, and highly-motivated special interests have ruthlessly scoured any population spending even a trivial amount of time at the CCMA. The simple fact is that asbestos-related disease does not show up in any of these populations. Period. We are reviewing the EPA report to see what compels this new finding and immediate closure, but anticipate taking quick and decisive action," Amador concluded.

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[TJDave]

WTF?? If that is not the biggest pile of BS, then the Feds should post signs warning of the potential hazard, keep the area open, and stay away if they are worried about it. At the rate things are going, I might still be alive by the time all public lands are closed, we all have to wear the same uniform to go out in public, and money will be divided equally among everybody! Yippeeeeee! I can't wait, my socialist comrads.

[Grumpy]

Mission
Wildlands CPR works to revive and protect wild places by promoting watershed restoration through road removal, preventing new road construction, and stopping off-road vehicle abuse.



Vision
We envision wildlands that sustain natural and human communities, where native plants and animals thrive, clean air and water abound, and nature's quiet prevails. Roads will be limited and, where they exist, thoughtfully designed and maintained. Motorized vehicles will travel only on these roads. We will work cooperatively with diverse communities to protect and restore our remaining wild places, fostering a growing citizenry that supports this vision.