gallatin natl forest needs your help

 Gallatin National Forest is currently the subject of a lawsuit filed by the Earth Justice Legal Defense Fund, representing the Sierra Club, Predator Conservation Alliance, Biodiversity Legal Foundation and Park County Environmental Council. The forest, sometimes bordering Yellowstone National Park, is largely located in Montana.

Earth Justice has filed for a motion for preliminary injunction to close Gallatin National Forest to restrict or eliminate both on-trail and off-trail summer and winter motorized travel within grizzly bear habitat of the forest. Grizzlies are currently listed on the endangered species list- and the Endangered Species Act requires that the Forest Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service review the impact off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, have on the habitat of the grizzlies.

The Montana Snowmobile Association (MSA) is fighting this closure. The Cooke City area is included in the proposed closure, and snowmobile and ATV traffic is what keeps that community in business.

Motorsports supporters are being asked to write letters, addressed to Alan Brown, President MSA, stating opposition to the closure of that area. And, the MSA is asking for money toward its legal defense fund. Checks need to be made out to "MSA- Legal Defense Fund" and mailed to Crazy Mountain Motorsports at: PO Box 162, 312 1st Ave. North, Clyde Park, MT 59018. Or, call Cooke City Exxon at 406/838-2244 and ask for Susan. Any checks will then be forwarded on to the Montana Snowmobile Association.

Please pass this on to anyone who has an interest in keeping motorsports available on public lands.