133 



forescs Is both pemanenc and InvlolaCe. 



The bill (sec. 6) establishes a Scientific Advisory Board to make 

 recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on measures needed to protect 

 and manage the natural and scenic resources In the Preserve and to develop 

 plans for fire management, scientific study, forest regeneration, recreational 

 use and other technical matters. 



This provision of the bill will ensure that the management of the Preserve 

 is solidly based in science. We believe that this is the correct way to 

 manage forests for their optimum health, and this will be a welcome change on 

 the national forests that provide giant sequoia habitat. Sierra Club 

 activists look forward to working In cooperation with the Scientific Advisory 

 Board for the mutual benefit of all concerned, and most importantly, for the 

 environmental health of these threatened forest ecosystems. 



The bill allows for recreational activity. Including fishing and hunting, 

 within the Preserve. Designating this area as a National Forest Preserve will 

 allow hunting which is not inconsistent with the goals of protecting these 

 ancient forest ecosystems (sec. 7(J)). 



The bill (sec. 7 (e)) allows for recreational vehicle use of existing roads 

 and establishes trails for hikers, mountain bikers and the disabled. 

 Recreational activities would be allowed on the existing roads In the 

 Preserve. The only change Is that no more roads would be built. Once the 

 timber program stops, there should be no more need for further roadbulldlng 

 (as there are already many roads). The establishment of new trails for 

 various user groups will help make the Preserve an inviting place to recreate. 

 The existing resorts and camps In the area will provide places for the general 

 public to stay and enjoy these magnificent forests. We encourage the Forest 

 Service to work with the owners and operators of these facilities in providing 

 the public with educational and recreational opportunities. 



The bill stop should also stop below-cost timber sales elsewhere in 

 Sequoia National Forest. Not only are the giant sequoias still in jeopardy, 

 but the national forests in which they grow are being overcut and mismanaged 

 at taxpayer expense. Logging in the Sequoia National Forest has very low 

 economic viability. There is no real competition for harvest bids, and thus 

 the bids are the lowest in Region 5. This leads to below-cost sales on the 

 Sequoia National Forest which are costing U.S. citizens over $6 million every 

 year (over and above the administrative costs of running the Forest). This 

 bill would stop these unacceptable federal subsidies in giant sequoia habitat. 

 The Sierra Club believes that all below-cost timber sales nationwide should be 

 stopped. It is bad enough that our forests have been managed poorly and cut at 

 rates which are unsustainable. The taxpayers should not also be forced to 

 foot the bill for this destruction. These paractices should be stopped and 

 barred by law. 



The bill (sec.7(k)) prohibits timber cutting in the Preserve, except for 

 purposes of scientific study and fire control. The giant sequoia habitat Is 

 worth far more in its natural state than It is converted Into lumber. In 

 fact. Forest Service figures show that Sequoia recreation is six tlmies more 



