136 



8 



managemenc of Chelr nearby national forests. These payments are to be 

 equivalent to amoiints that would be paid as taxes on parcels of private timber 

 land. The bill also provides a mechanism for arbitration of disputes between 

 the Secretary and local governments with regard to the tax-equivalency amount. 



Conclusion 



In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, the Sierra Club urges the Committee to act 

 favorably on H.R. 2153, the Giant Sequoia Preservation Act, and pass it on to 

 the full House Agriculture Committee for its consideration. Passage of the. 

 Giant Sequoia Preservation Act would give these magnificent national treasures 

 the protection they need to survive. The giant sequoias are a truly unique 

 part of the world's natural heritage and as such should be protected and 

 passed on Intact for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. 



Thank you for this opportunity to present our views. 



