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great-grandchildren. Using the principles of scientific forestry fliat we have learned, and 

 those that we will discover in the future, we have the capability to dramatically increase the 

 natural growth of trees. All lands that we lock up today, however, reduces the amount of 

 usable timber available for those who follow us. In addition, as good timber lands are 

 locked away, loggers are being forced to use more 'marginal lands' where timber docs not 

 regenerate as well as possible, also lowering future yields. 



We do not have the right to deprive our descendents of affordable shelter and daily 

 newspapers and abundant forests because we bowed to the pressures of a vocal minority 

 who believe that resources are to be viewed and not used. 



The lack of management in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve here in the Black Hills 

 graphically demonstrates the consequences to the forest of 'natural management'. Norbeck 

 is full of what local preservationists refer to as 'old-growth', a term designed to invoke 

 visions of magnificent trees. The old-growth in Norbeck instead consists mainly of trees 

 six inches (6") in diameter, in dense stands that keep trees cramped and stunted. They are 

 prime candidates for nature's favorite forest renewal methods of wildfire and infestation. 

 In addition, these dense stands of over-mature, stunted trees keep other vegetation from 

 growing. Since few animals can subsist upon pine cones and needles, Norbeck has 

 become somewhat of a local joke~the Wildlife Preserve with no wildlife. The wildfire 

 danger that it poses, however, to our forest, area residents, campers, and Mount Rushmore 

 is no laughing matter. 



Wilderness is counter-productive to forest health and longevity and to wildlife habitat. 

 Wilderness does not protect the environment Neither do I believe that we need expansion 

 for the use of people. Figures indicate that there is very heavy human usage of our Black 

 Elk Wilderness Area along two specific trails: those leading to Harney Peak. The 



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