�We believe it is our obligation to try to do everything we can to protect the world�s ecosystems, and as demonstrated by these initiatives, that means making informed choices about the foods we serve our guests,� said Chris Lane, director of environmental programs for Xanterra. �Since we do have a choice about what we eat � and what we serve in our restaurants � we want our choices to be as environmentally responsible as possible.�

All three initiatives were prompted after considerable study by Xanterra�s environmental and food professionals. 

Organic coffee served in three Xanterra locations was chosen because the growth and harvest of the coffee beans is completed in a way that supports bird habitat. The coffee beans are grown without the use of harsh pesticides on farms in Central and South America using a �shade-growing� method that requires only partial cutting of the rainforest. This growing method protects bird habitats. An additional benefit of the program is that the coffee holds a �fair trade� certificate, which means that it is guaranteed to be purchased from local farmers at a fair price. Because the rainforests are preserved, migratory birds � such as those that reside in our national parks � have a home in winter.  Additionally, droppings from the birds fertilize the soil, which enhances the organic coffee growth.

The organic coffee is presently served in facilities in Everglades National Park, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and Crater Lake National Park. Xanterra plans to expand the program to other properties.

Yellowstone National Park uses �Conservation Beef� in selected restaurants. �Conservation Beef� is beef from cows raised on natural grasses on the Western range. No growth hormones or antibiotics are given to the animals.  The beef is dry-aged, a step which enhances its flavor. The program supports habitat conservation in partnership with the Nature Conservancy. At present, �Conservation Beef� steakburgers are served in restaurants at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Roosevelt Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. Xanterra is exploring ways to expand this program too.

Last year, Xanterra implemented a program to support sustainable fishing by refusing to serve specific fish species and recommending others in its restaurants.  Fish the company will not serve include Chilean Sea Bass (Patagonian Toothfish), Atlantic Swordfish, all species of Shark and Bluefin Tuna. As part of the program, Xanterra also recommends other species to guests if they are part of a wild population that is abundant enough to sustain fishing, there are low levels of wasted by-catch and the fish are caught or farmed in ways that minimize the impact to the environment. The ban will likely be expanded to include other fish species in the near future.

�You don�t have to be a dedicated vegetarian or eat only organic foods to support environmental stewardship through your food selections,� said Lane. �We have been very pleased with the enthusiasm with which these programs have been met by our guests. They invariably want information about the reasoning behind our decisions, and our employees have been trained to give our guests correct information about the environmental benefits of their choices.� 

Xanterra Parks & Resorts is a supporter of the concept of �natural capitalism,� which says environmental stewardship is fundamental to a company�s profit and ultimate success. According to the central concept of natural capitalism, �clean� companies that eliminate waste, become more environmentally efficient and protect living systems will prosper while their less efficient competitors will inevitably fail.

The aggressiveness with which Xanterra has embraced its environmental programs has resulted in recognition from a variety of governmental and private entities.  Xanterra received the 2002 Environmental Achievement Award from the Environmental Protection Agency�s Region 9 Office in recognition of the company�s environmental management practices in Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks. Last year Xanterra received the 2001 Department of Interior Environmental Achievement Award and the 2001 Travel Industry Association�s Odyssey Award in the �Environment� category. Xanterra was the only national park concessioner and one of only 13 winners in the country to receive the DOI award.

Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the country�s largest operator of lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national and state parks and resorts. Xanterra operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone National Park, the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Death Valley National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Everglades National Park, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial; and at resorts in Napa, Calif.; Nebraska City, Neb., Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and seven Ohio State Parks.