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threat to salmon, and several other species, was a train wreck waiting to happen. This was our 

 attempt — and a very critical one ~ to avert the train wreck. The beauty of those buffers is that 

 we can adjust them — and have — on a case by case basis, where on-the-ground conditions 

 indicate that adequate species protections can be retained. 



You may have heard concerns about the amount of timber set aside in iate-successional reserves. 

 While we felt it was important to begin creating reserves with old growth characteristics, we are 

 allowing thinning in the young stands. These stands are not totally off limits. 



In summary, then, three points: before the Forest Plan, we had gridlock. After the Forest Plan, 

 we have a future for timber sales in the Northwest. We are proud of that future, and of our 

 success in making it happen. Second, the BLM is meeting its targets for timber volume, and then 

 some. Third, we are very proud of how well our people in the field have implemented the Forest 

 Plan. We had a general plan, with guidelines and direction set down in print. But it was 

 something we had never done before ~ no one had! Our folks on the ground took that Plan and 

 are making it work, amid a lot of distractions and during a very tough time. 



Thank you for this opportunity to testify. I would be happy to answer any questions you may 

 have. 



