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strategy to log the residual old growth all the way around the groves, and to 

 attempt to build roads into the groves to destroy their primitive value. 



The worst example of bad faith occurred during two illegal logging 

 operations in 1992 at Owl Creek, the second largest grove of unprotected 

 redwoods which serves as nesting habitat for ^e Marbled Murrelet. Pacific 

 Lumber cut 20 acres of the grove before completing murrelet surveys and 

 before consulting with the DFG as required 1^ the California Endangered 

 Species Act. 



Lack of action from these enforcement agencies necessitated quick legal 

 action and led us i^to two new lawsuits, one in state court and one in federal 

 court. EPIC'S federal suit. Marbled Murrelet v. | Bruce Babbitt, is the first 

 federal suit regarding violations of the JESA on private forestlands. This suit 

 has the potential to have a major impact on future implementation and 

 enforcement of the Federal ESA in regard to protecting species on private 

 lands. Although EPICs litigation has temporarily halted destruction of Owl 

 Creek, it is onfy an interim strategy while permanent protection of the 

 ancient forests is pursued through legislative channels. 



Now the final liquidation of ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest are well 

 underway. Native forests are being converted into highly mechanized and 

 automated forest plantations, or "fiber farms", which require fewer workers 

 and will not support a long-term sustainable economy. The increased logging 

 of the ancient forest by PL since the takeover, Y\as created a temporary 

 increase in jobs which can not be maintained once the ancient forests are 

 gone. Current estimates, based on past cutting rates. Indicate that it would 

 only take three years for PL to complete this final liquidation. We must end 

 the cycle of boom and bust and begin a transition to a sustainable restoration 

 based economy. 



H.R. 2866 would require sustainable management of these lands. The 

 rehabilitation of the logged lands is essential because they form linkages of 

 the core ancient forests across the landscape. Agency biologists are 

 increasingly concerned about the loss and impoverishment of biodiversity 

 and the luck of "functional elements" in the mfinaged landscape. 



Under the jurisdiction of the USPS the management plan would be 

 developed with full public review and input. Our local communities 

 depend on healthy farmlands, fisheries and forests. Removing MAXXAM's 

 control over this priceless national treasure is vital to a productive long-term 

 economy in our region, as well as to the survival of the redwood ecosystem. 



Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, .please vote yes on H.R. 2866. 

 With your vote of confidence. Congressman Hamburg can open negotiations 

 with a meaningful vision and work toward solutions which will reflect 



