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TESTIMONY RE: HR2153 



Hume Lake Christian Camps 



Representing Recreation and Inholders 



Opposed 



OVERVIEW 



Though we are speaking as employees of Hume Lake Christian Camps, 

 we will be doing our best to represent the positions of tens-of-thousands of 

 recreationists, private property inholders, and special use permit holders who 

 use, enjoy and/or live in the Sequoia National Forest. All of us, from the family 

 that rents a cabin for a week, to the teen-age kids who are fortunate enough to 

 take advantage of the many organized camps and programs in the National 

 Forest, are concerned with the preservation of the Sierra Nevada ecosystem. 

 However, we would like to go on record as opposing the Giant Sequoia 

 Preservation Act and, at the same time, would like to avoid the stigma of being 

 called anti-environmentalists for disagreeing on the perceived impact of this bill. 



The issue is far bigger than the giant sequoia, which has been 

 established as the mascot for HR2153. There is no question that this is a 

 remari<abie and awe-inspiring species. The question is: "What is the best way 

 to insure the sun/ival of this species and the ecosystem that surrounds these 

 ancient forests." We find it ironic to be speaking opposite groups like the Sierra 

 Club. We respect and appreciate the work of conservationists. Our 

 environment desperately needs everyone to champion the cause for the 

 preservation of all species. 



It is at this point that we take exception to the Giant Sequoia Preservation 

 Act. The bill is built upon the false premise that the giant sequoia 

 (Sequoiadendron giganteum) is in danger of being destroyed or threatened 

 with a decreasing habitat. There are many factual errors listed in the 

 foundational "Findings" of this bill, but far more serious is the proposed 

 management of the Giant Sequoia Preserve. The very mandates of this bill 



