The Llama Legal Defense Fund was created at this year's Llama Assembly for the sole purpose of funding the Canyonlands Task Force and its effort to overturn the llama ban at Canyonlands Nation Park. Stan Ebel, Bob Riley and Scott Woodruff wish to thank all the llama and alpaca organizations and the individuals who have contributed to the Llama Legal Defense Fund. The widespread support has given us the encouragement to continue the battle.

The March 12th Johne's Disease Workshop at Colorado State University was attended by 52 people representing a cross section of Government agencies. The overwhelming evidence presented indicated llamas were not a threat to wildlife. The BLM, prior to this meeting, was contemplating a ban on llamas but now has issued a statement that there will not be a ban on llamas due to Johne's Disease. The contributions covered some of the travel expenses to bring in the experts to address the issue. In addition, we were able to tape and transcribe the workshop. A copy of that transcript is available to you for $20.00 to cover printing, shipping and handling of this 204-page document. Send your request for a copy of the Workshop Transcript and your check for $20.00 to Llama Legal Defense Fund, P.O. Box 1189, Lyons, Colorado 80540. The Kofa briefing paper will be included.

Glen Canyon had banned llamas at about the same time as the Canyonlands and for the same reason but now has issued a directive reversing that ban. This reversal is a direct result of the efforts put forth by the Canyonlands Task Force.

Kofa National Wildlife Refuge & Wilderness was preparing to ban llamas as a part of an overall wilderness plan. This proposed ban was a mirror image of the Canyonlands ban. Kofa officials now are recommending that the ban be dropped from the Wilderness plan due to evidence provided by our attorneys: Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher. A copy of that briefing paper (addressed to Mr. Tom Baca, National Resource Planner) is available. It gives an accurate overview of the llama ban controversy and places the blame squarely on the misguided action of Walter Dabney, Superintendent of The Canyonlands.

In summary, it would appear that we have containment on the issue of banning llamas on the basis of the possibility of transmitting Johne's Disease to wildlife. The remaining issue of lifting the ban at Mr. Dabney's Canyonlands remains and we will continue the battle on behalf of all llama and alpaca owners. Continued support is not only appreciated but necessary if we are going to be successful in this endeavor. All contributors will be kept up-to-date on the latest development and will receive a bumper sticker "Llamas are Environmentally Friendly" as our way of saying thank you. (All excess funds will be donated to the Morris Animal Foundation.) Mail your checks to Llama Legal Defense Fund, c/o Bob Riley, P.O. Box 1189, Lyons, Colorado 80540