Agency reverses proposed parks policy

Posted on Mon, Jun. 19, 2006

Agency reverses proposed parks policy
JENNIFER TALHELM
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The Interior Department on Monday reversed a controversial proposed
national parks policy that would have allowed more use of snowmobiles and all-terrain
vehicles and put less emphasis on conservation.

A draft of the new policy stresses that when there is a conflict between preserving
and using natural and historical places, conservation will remain the parks' predominant
job.

"That is the heart of these policies and the lifeblood of our nation's commitment
to care for these special places and provide for their enjoyment," said Interior
Secretary Dirk Kempthorne.

The new parks management policy, which is to become final in three weeks, is one of the
first moves for Kempthorne, who was installed less than a month ago.