Press Release: The Hopi Tribe

Initial Date of Release: June 29, 1998

Kykotsmovi, Arizona-- The potential of a Hantavirus outbreak combined with high winds and lack of rainfall have prompted Hopi Tribal Chairman Wayne Taylor, Jr. and Vice Chairman Phillip Quochytewa, Sr. to issue Executive Orders placing closures and restrictions on the Hopi lands.

"The climate on Hopi is dry and windy, which poses an axtreme fire danger.  In addition, the moisture from the winter months has created a large rodent population.  These rodents are known carriers of the Hantavirus.  Thirty-three percent of the Hantavirus cases have occurred in the southwest among American Indians.  These closures and restrictions are intended to protect the Hopi people and visitors to Hopi land," Chairman Taylor said.

The following restrictions have been placed on all Hopi Tribal lands:

• No overnight camping in underdeveloped areas
• No entrance permitted into restricted (closed) areas
• No open fires outside of the village and community residential areas
• Compliance with safety regulations of designated camping areas
• No fireworks

These restrictions will remain in effect for the remainder of the summer.

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