Area 51 is classifying all information about Area 51 in order to protect themselves from a lawsuit." Citing the State Secrets Privilege, the government petitioned trial judge U.S. District Judge Philip Pro (of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada in Las Vegas) to disallow disclosure of classified documents or examination of secret witnesses, alleging this would expose classified information and threaten national security. When Judge Pro rejected the government's argument, President Bill Clinton issued a Presidential Determination, exempting what it called, "The Air Force's Operating Location Near Groom Lake, Nevada" from environmental disclosure laws. Consequently, Pro dismissed the
Black Tern Bog State Natural Area in southwest Vilas County, approximately northwest of Arbor Vitae. Access is via an unnamed dirt road off US Highway 51, north of the bog. The road wraps around the northern and eastern portions of the bog. It is also possible to park on the shoulder of US Highway 51, which passes along the western edge of the bog. Black Tern Bog State Natural Area Black Tern Bog State Natural Area is a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-designated State Natural Area featuring 20 acres (8 ha) of quaking sphagnum bog surrounding two small seepage lakes situated in a pitted outwash plain.