Grand Teton National Parks' Signal Mountain Lodge Achieves ISO 14001 And Green Seal Ratings

Environmentally friendly hotel, Signal Mountain Lodge located in Grand Teton National Park, is certified to ISO 14001 and Green Seal demonstrating outstanding environmental programs ranging from water conservation, menu and retail items to recycling and alternative power choices.

Jackson, WY, (PRWEB) Sept 11, 2003-Signal Mountain Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, has become the first national park concessioner, and the first lodging property west of the Mississippi River, to be certified by both Green Seal and to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001.    

    A sweeping environmental program-ranging from menu items to recycling to retail offerings to water conservation--has earned these coveted awards for Signal Mountains owner/operator, Forever Resorts.

    Both ISO, representing 145 countries, and Green Seal of the United States, are highly-regarded third-party organizations which promote a cleaner, healthier environment.

    Recycling and water conservation are just two areas were proud of," says Bill Butts, senior vice president of resort operations for Forever Resorts. In 2002, they resulted in 32 tons of recycled materials, and a water use reduction of 36%."

    Recycling of 14 different products is only one of many programs introduced by John King, general manager, and Jason Ryan, environmental manager," says Butts.

    In Signal Mountains dining room, for example, fish, meat, and coffee selections--among others--reflect environmental concerns. Seafood entrees are based on the Audubon scale, which ranks 40 species on whether they are plentiful or threatened, farmed, and some on how they are caught.

    Meat entrees are labeled Conservation, a cooperative effort between The Nature Conservancy, Artemis Wildlife Foundation and ranching families in the West.

    Coffee lovers will note their brews beans are Bird Friendly (planted under shade, not on forest-cleared land), Organic (no chemicals used) and Fair Trade Certified (farmers and workers guaranteed a fair price).

    Signal Mountains store items and gifts include numerous organic and natural foods, poison-free insecticides, naturally-derived cleaning compounds and recycled and organic products and gift items-offering customers a chance to make a difference with their purchasing decisions. All paper products meet or exceed Green Seal standards, and all outsourced printing must use soy-based inks.

    Environmental concerns dont stop at the lodge. For example, boaters who launch their own craft or rent boats from Signal Mountains Marina and Leeks Marina will note pads at the gas pumps to absorb any overflows. Fishermen are encouraged to recycle monofilament fishing line, which entraps birds and other wildlife, fouls engines and has a life of 600 years.

    I am extremely proud of Signal Mountain Lodges accomplishments in the areas of recycling, water conservation, and the environmentally-responsible purchasing of goods and services," said Grand Teton National Park Superintendent, Steve Martin. Signals leadership in environmental management is exemplary, and I congratulate the Lodge on becoming the first concessioner to be certified by both Green Seal and ISO."

This month, Signal Mountain Lodge signed a two-year commitment with Lower Valley Energy to buy more than 10% of its needed power generated by wind.

    Our goal is to become a leader in environmental stewardship," says John King. And to encourage our employees and guests to incorporate some of these programs into their own lives."

    Both ISO and Green Seal conduct annual audits of properties they certify. In 1995, Green Seal formed a special partnership with the lodging industry. Today, its vice president of certification, Mark Petruzzi, says: Travelers look for an environmentally-responsible property, whether on business or vacation."

    Forever Resorts, formed in 1981 and based in Scottsdale, is a concessioner of the National Park Service. The firm operates resorts and marinas in 15 states.

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About Signal Mountain Lodge:

Located in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, Signal Mountain Lodge offers a unique lake side vacation experience that include 79 guest rooms, gift store, camp store, Snake River raft trip, marina, boat rentals, and restaurants with uncompromised views of the Teton Range. An environmental stewardship commitment dating back to the 1980s, Signal Mountain Lodge is an established leader in the lodging industry. In addition to being ISO 14001 certified, the hotel is Green Seal Certified, recognized by Green Star and a member of the Green Hotels Association. www.SignalMountainLodge.com

About Forever Resorts:

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Forever Resorts owns and operates more than 55 recreational properties in national parks, recreation areas, national forests and other choice destinations worldwide. A respected industry leader in luxury houseboat manufacturing and houseboat vacation rentals, each Forever Resort location is committed to the standards of their corporate environmental policy, which is to monitor and improve the performance of business operations and endeavor to conduct all activities in a manner that protects both human health and the environment. www.ForeverResorts.com