The DOI awards recognize organizations for "exceptional achievements that conserve our nation's natural resources through communication, consultation and cooperation." The awards focus on the areas of environmental stewardship, waste/pollution prevention, recycling, environmentally preferable purchasing, sustainable design/green
buildings and Environmental Management Systems (EMSs).

"With only 11 awards presented this year, it is a considerable achievement to receive even one of these prestigious and competitive awards," said Chris Lane, senior director of environmental affairs for Xanterra Parks & Resorts. "But superior environmental performance is not about winning awards. It is about reducing, and in some cases, eliminating impacts on natural resources within the national parks. In these as well as all Xanterra locations, we clearly take our commitment to preserving the environment very seriously."

The Zion Lodge award was presented by DOI in recognition of "Ecologix," Xanterra's Environmental Management System. The DOI award summary said: "The integration of business and ecology through 'Ecologix,' .is a shining example of their commitment to the National Park Service mission and the environment. Environmental Management Systems create and put into use policies, plans, practices and evaluations to ensure environmental goals are set and met. Ecologix is not only a comprehensive and effective EMS, Xanterra has made Ecologix available to all Xanterra managers and is ISO 14001 certified."

The award also noted Xanterra's "true commitment to the National Park Service (NPS), DOI and the environment by sharing their Sustainability Report."  The report, published in early 2004, offers complete details of Xanterra's environmental programs in each location and specific measurement of Xanterra's "environmental footprint" in each location.

The Yellowstone DOI award recognized Xanterra's efforts to minimize environmental impacts in the park. The DOI summary noted: "As a leader in the tourism industry, Xanterra uses many resources to serve its customers. On a typical summer day, Xanterra serves more than 9,000 park visitors and operates over 200 vehicles. As a concessioner at Yellowstone, Xanterra minimizes its environmental 'footprint' by tracking 12 resource streams with four years' worth of accumulated data." The award also highlighted that Xanterra had diverted 257 tons of recyclable waste from the landfill, educated employees and others about environmental preferable strategies, serves sustainable foods in the restaurants and reduces energy consumption by using hybrid vehicles.

Earlier this summer, Xanterra received National Park Service (NPS) 2004 Environmental Achievement Awards for its environmental performance at Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks. The NPS Environmental Achievement Awards recognize environmental successes throughout the national park system and highlights those organizations and individuals that have demonstrated superior environmental performance and stewardship during the previous fiscal year. Xanterra also recently received the "Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention Award" from the State of Utah for its environmental achievements at the Zion Lodge in Zion National Park. 

Xanterra Parks & Resorts (consisting of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc. and Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C.) operates lodges, restaurants and other concessions at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the country's largest national park concessioner. Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates concessions in the following locations: Yellowstone National Park, the North Rim 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 the Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif.; Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. and eight Ohio State Parks. Its affiliate Xanterra South Rim, L.L. C. operates concessions at the South
Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Xanterra
www.xanterra.com
[email protected]