81 



First of all, we support the Black Hills Forest request for 

 $115,000 in fiscal year 1994 funding to begin a 3-year cooperative 

 project with us, our organization, and with others, hopefully with 

 private business in the Black Hills, to realize a more comprehen- 

 sive data base of information, scientific information, on species in 

 the Black Hills. 



We support the current consideration that Congress is giving to 

 the National Biological Survey in H.R. 1845. 



And last, we'd like the Congress to support funding now for the 

 South Dakota Biological Diversity Trust that was part of last year's 

 omnibus water bill. We believe that that trust is the vehicle by 

 which the State can deal with its long-term needs more effectively. 



The Conservancy also supports the Black Hills Forest Revision 

 Plan's efforts — we anticipate at least — to designate several addi- 

 tional — or a number of additional special interest and research nat- 

 ural areas within the forest. There are areas that we know about 

 that deserve protection. In most cases they're small, but they rep- 

 resent the true uniqueness of the Black Hills. 



Mr. Chairman, I want to compliment you on bringing this type of 

 Committee hearing to South Dakota. 



We're committed as an organization to seeking out a balance. 

 And I think the diversity of opinion here today represents the need 

 for seeking that balance. And we look forward to being a resource 

 whenever we can to support this kind of proceeding for that pur- 

 pose. 



Thank you. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Satrom follows:] 



