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THE HONORABLE RICHARD H. LEHMAN 



HEARING ON H.R. 2153 - GIANT SEQUOIA PRESERVATION ACT OF 1993 



SUBCOMMITTEE ON SPECIALTY CROPS AND NATURAL RESOURCES 



MARCH 9, 1994 



Mr. Chainnan, Members of the Subcommittee: 



I appreciate the opportunity to testify before this subcommittee on a bill that is very relevant 

 to the district I represent My district includes portions of both the Sierra and Sequoia National 

 Forests - the two forests included in the Giant Sequoia National Forest Preserve created by this bill. 

 I would like to thank the many people who travelled a good distance to testify on this bill and its 

 many effects on their lives. 



I must begin by stating that this is not a hearing about preserving giant sequoia. We can all 

 agree that giant sequoia are some of the most magnificent biological specimens this earth has to offer 

 and that they should be protected. I have personally supported numerous efforts to protect the giant 

 sequoia. 



What this hearing is really about is how the nation should manage its national forests. 

 Although there remains a healthy debate over how best to maintain stands of giant sequoia, we know 

 enough to say the methods revolve around uses of mechanical manipulation and controlled fire. In 

 fact, many scientists tell us that establishing a preserve which excludes mechanical manipulation and 

 seeks to eliminate use of controlled fire could severely hinder the ability for giant sequoia to 

 regenerate and thrive. Experience with a variety of management styles - in the Sequoia-Kings 

 Canyon National Park, in the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests, in the State-managed Mountain 

 Home State Forest, on private lands and on other State-managed forest lands - have aptly 



