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demonstrated this contention. 



I am afraid that some people believe we should stop timber harvesting on our national forest 

 lands - and what better place to begin than forest land that contains the majestic and romantic giant 

 sequoia? H.R. 2153 circumscribes a 442,000 acre zone - only a small portion of which actually 

 contains giant sequoia - inside of which there would be restrictions on a number of multiple uses. 

 Management of this zone would be driven by a scientific advisory board with certain, specific 

 limitations on how best to accomplish that management. What this aspect of the bill denies is that 

 some of the best science about how to manage giant sequoia is ah-eady being applied, to the benefit 

 of giant sequoia stands. 



Last Oangress, the Natural Resource Committee's General Oversight Subcommittee, which 

 I chaired, held an oversight hearing on management of giant sequoia. Passions ran high and debate 

 was polarized. Based on that hearing, and subsequent readings, symposia and discussions, I came 

 to the conclusion that the giant sequoia are best managed under the most flexible management 

 scheme available. The giant sequoia have not survived these millennia because they lack resilience. 

 The giant sequoia is an extremely hearty species that demands attention but not exclusion. 



As I mentioned earlier, H.R. 2153 is premised on the belief that our national foreste are best 

 placed in preserves. As an avid hiker and outdoorsman, I will admit this proposition has some 

 narrow appeal - but it is completely unrealistic. To preserve forested areas, this nation creates 

 national parks, wild and scenic rivers and wilderness areas, all of which I have supported in my own 

 district, even when controversial - because it was appropriate. Taking the business of managing 

 these national forests out of the hands of the U.S. Forest Service is also not the answer. 



I, like many others, have been very critical of the Forest Service over the years. In many ways, 



