Take Action Join Renew ... Donate Now! Search Skip Navigation Choose an Issue Area Air Forests Global Warming International Oceans Public Lands Water Wildlife Choose a Region View Map! Alaska California International Mid-Atlantic Midwest National Northeast Pacific Islands Pacific Northwest Rocky Mountains Southeast Southwest Media Resources Multimedia ... Press Print this page Email this page RELATED INFO Issue: Public Lands Region: California Office: Rocky Mountains Press Release: Death Valley National Park Threatened by Damaging Off-Road Vehicle Use Press Release Federal Judge Dismisses Off-road Vehicle Suit in Death Valley National Park Private group can't turn Surprise Canyon creekbed into highway July 25, 2007 Surprise Canyon Photo: Geary Hund Fresno, CA A federal court has denied an attempt by off-road vehicle enthusiasts to reopen a rare, fragile desert stream in Death Valley National Park to extreme vehicle use. The group had sued the federal government, claiming rights to the stream bed under a repealed Civil War-era law known as R.S.2477. District Court Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill dismissed the suit for lack of jurisdiction. "It's a great day for Surprise Canyon and Death Valley National Park," said Ted Zukoski, an attorney for Earthjustice, representing six conservation groups involved in the case. "This place is a miracle a gushing stream running through the desert. We're pleased the court denied an attempt to turn this marble canyon's waterfalls into a highway." | |
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