Big Sky, MT- Two women deployed a 20x50 foot banner reading "Racicot's Buffalo Slaughter Kills Tourism" from the ten story Big Sky Conference Center Hotel shortly after dawn this morning. Graphic depictions of two bloody buffalo heads were lavishly painted on the huge banner, which was hung as part of an all-day rally organized by the Buffalo Field Campaign (BFC) to call attention to the hypocracy of governor Racicot's conflicting stances on tourism and the bison who draw tourists the region.

The activists, who were suspended from ropes anchored to the building's top floor, were arrested after construction workers opened windows, reached outside, and destroyed the banner. According to a recent study, Gallatin County--one of the only counties in the state with free roaming, wild buffalo--brings in more tourism revenue than any other county in the state.

Tourism is the fastest growing sector of Montana's economy and brought in more than $1.5 billion in 1998. "Governor Racicot epitomizes the perfect politician," said BFC spokesperson Tiffan Brown. "He placates the tourism lobby with one hand while the other shoots buffalo to satisfy the the appetites of the powerful livestock industry." Montana has slaughtered 2,136 buffalo since Governor Marc Racicot took office. During the winter of 1996-'97, nearly 1100 buffalo were slaughtered by the DOL and National Park Service officials.

More than half of these animals were killed by the DOL without being tested for brucellosis. "Governor Racicot's buffalo slaughter kills not only wildlife but tourism. People spend thousands of dollars to come to Montana and see buffalo," said BFC volunteer Alison Lovejoy, "The state's actions are a slap in the face to tourism and show how cozy the relationship between Racicot and the livestock industry really is."

Activists will perform guerrilla street theater this moring at 11am, including a skit illustrating the close ties between Montana Governor Racicot and Department of Livestock (DOL) agents. An 11 foot-tall Racicot will kill throngs of buffalo while a larger than life-sized buffalo skeleton will parade outside the Big Sky Conference Center where the Governor is to speak tonight.

Buffalo Field Campaign volunteers defend the buffalo on their traditional habitat and advocate for their protection. BFC is the only group working in the field every day to stop the slaughter of Yellowstone's wild buffalo.

Video and still photos of the rally available upon request.

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