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RECREATIONAL GROUPS ATTAIN PARTY STATUS IN ROADLESS LAWSUITS

APRIL 4, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Paul Turcke 208-331-1807

San Francisco , CA - A coalition of access advocacy groups has successfully become parties in the latest round of lawsuits addressing management of Forest Service "Roadless" areas.  In an order issued on March 31, 2006 , U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Laporte partially granted intervention in the cases to the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, United Four Wheel Drive Associations the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, and the BlueRibbon Coalition.  The court granted the recreational groups full party status in any "remedy phase" of the cases, finding that the groups "do claim general interests in the use and enjoyment of roadless areas..." and that "the input of the [groups] could assist the Court in fashioning relief, if any."

"We are pleased with this outcome and the Court's acknowledgement that these organizations have a potential role in this litigation," stated Paul Turcke, the Boise , Idaho , attorney serving as lead counsel for the Recreational Groups.  "The tale of 'roadless' rules and litigation has been a tortuous one, and these organizations felt it important to obtain party status lest the future reveal unforeseen developments within or beyond this litigation."  Turcke observed.

The lawsuits at issue were brought by the states of California , Oregon and New Mexico and numerous environmental organizations led by the Wilderness Society.  Both consolidated cases are being heard in the U.S. Northern District of California and seek to have the 2005 Bush Administration Roadless Rule declared invalid and to reinstate the 2001 Clinton Administration Roadless Rule.  The State of Washington has moved to intervene in the case as a plaintiff, and the State of Montana has filed a "friend of the court" brief supporting the plaintiffs, effectively declaring the support of these states for 2001 Rule.  While the 2001 Roadless Rule was challenged in at least ten lawsuits in courts across the country, no party other than the Recreational Groups has moved to obtain intervenor status on the side of the Bush Administration defendants and in support of the Forest Service's 2005 Rule.

Both sides are filing dispositive motions in the case, which are scheduled for oral arguments on July 25, 2006 .

A printed copy of this release is available at: 
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/PL/Roadless%20Lawsuit/Roadless%20Lawsuit%20News%20Release.pdf

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The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible use of public and private lands, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. http://www.sharetrails.org

United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) is the leading representative for four wheel drive enthusiasts. UFWDA is a group of individuals, clubs, state, regional, provincial and national associations and businesses in the United States and around the world; our members span the globe from the U.S. and Canada , New Zealand , Australia , England , Japan , South Africa , and Iceland . If you would like more information on how you can be a part of this effort contact United Four Wheel Drive Associations today at 7135 S. PR Royal Springs Dr. , Shelbyville , IN 46176 , 1-800-448-3932 or visit www.ufwda.org.

The American Council of Snowmobile Associations represents the 25 state snowmobile associations across the United States . Learn more about ACSA at http://www.snowmobilers.org

The California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. actively promotes the advancement of vehicle oriented outdoor recreation since 1959. The Association represents over 8,000 members and 160 member clubs representing owners of all makes and models of 4WD vehicles, as well as non-owners who support responsible vehicle oriented recreation.  For more on California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc. visit us at http://www.cal4wheel.com/

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