Save the Peaks Trial Ends November 15, 2005
On November 15th Judge Paul Rosenblatt recessed the trial initiated by the lawsuit brought forth by tribes & environmental groups to protect the environmental and cultural integrity of the San Francisco Peaks from Arizona Snowbowl's plan for expansion & snowmaking with wastewater. There is currently no word on when a ruling will be made.
The Arizona Snowbowl Ski resort, located on the San Francisco Peaks in Northern AZ, is attemping to expand its development, clear-cut 74 acres of wilderness, make artificial snow from contaminated wastewater and more. The Peaks are sacred to over 13 Native American Nations and home to threatened species. A coalition of tribes and environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the Coconino Forest Service to stop this proposed development.
The Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai, Havasupai, Yavapai-Apache, White Mountain Apache, Sierra Club, Flagstaff Activist Network, Southwest Center for Biological Diversity, Dine' Medicine's Association, and a Hopi Traditionalist have filed the lawsuit against the Coconino Forest Service to prevent the federal agency from allowing Snowbowl's expansion and snowmaking with wastewater. The tribes and environmental groups challenge that the Forest Service has violated the National Environmental Policy Act and that the approved plan will violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
"This is a critical and historic trial that will determine the future of Native American Religious Freedom & the health of our communities," says Kelvin Long of ECHOES. "We are calling on all peoples of all faiths and walks of life to join us and stand up for respect for the environment and the diverse cultures in our community."
Support and prayers are needed!
Urge McCain to Support the Tribes!
There has also been a call to urge U.S. Senator John McCain to support the efforts of the tribes in protecting their religious freedom and human rights by taking a standing and letting the Forest Service know that Snowbowl's plan is only creating division and furthering the wounds that exist in our communities. Send a personal letter or call him today!
Senator John McCain
Phone: 202-224-2235
Fax: 202-228-2862
Email Contact
Download the Petition at:
Save the Peaks Petition
Special thanks to Teresa Ana-hoo-ey for passing this on!
Earlier reports:
Save the Peaks November 4th
Save the Peaks Concert November 6th
November Reports
Contents
Last updated on November 22, 2005