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in diameter should not be cut in Sequoia National Forest. It is a small step 

 for the Congress to act to protect all of the forest in addition to the trees 30" and 

 bigger. 



I ask the Committee members to consider who benefits from the passage 

 of the preservation bill. First, there are the trees themselves which being the 

 largest and some of the oldest living things on earth deserve our respect. Less 

 than 100 years ago Giant Sequoia trees were cut down and broken into small 

 pieces to hold up grape vines in vineyards. I am sure the members of this 

 Committee would agree today that this was a waste of a majestic resource and 

 would oppose it. But, unfortunately, there were not leaders with the foresight to 

 stop the waste at the time. Today is another turning point and in 100 years time 

 (or perhaps much less) future generations may lament the waste of one of this 

 countries great resources, or, hopefully, they will enjoy the splendor and beauty 

 of the Sequoia National Forest when they travel to see and feel the largest living 

 things on earth. 



Second, the people of California and the rest of the United States will 

 benefit from the recreational use of the forest provided for in the Bill. No one 

 wants to close up the Forest. The central valley is one of the fastest growing 

 areas in California. The people of California need forests they cem visit be it in 

 cabins or campgrounds. Furthermore, the Giant Sequoia trees are destination 

 points for people throughout the United States and the world. The destination, 

 however, will not be appealing if the current harvesting is continued and the 

 groves and siirrounding forests are decimated by clearcuts. The Bill allows for 

 hunting, fishing, camping snowmobiling, and many other activities. Ultimately 

 there is more money to be made by bringing people in by cars than bringing out 

 timber on logging trucks. 



I would like to finish the same as I do with a jury and as I did with 

 Judge Wanger. Whatever your decision, let the truth be our guide. For too long 

 the Forest Service has disregarded the truth be it through a disregard of new 

 scientific information, or manipulation of their own maps and computer programs 

 to reach their timber goals. As long as there are federal judges the truth will 

 come out. But it will serve all concerned if litigation is averted and this 

 Committee listens to the recommendations of the Forest Service's own experts ~ 

 unrestricted logging in the Sequoia has gone on long and far enough - the 

 remaining large trees need to be preserved both for the benefit of the animals that 

 live there and the millions of people who will spend time there in the years ahead 

 thanks to the foresight of the members on this Committee. 



