184 



The largest negative impact from man to the sequoias is actually being 

 experienced in the National Parks. The Giant Forest area of Sequoia 

 National Park is experiencing high ozone levels as a result of pollution 

 from the San Francisco/Bay area that is carried into the San Joaquin 

 Valley. This impact is well documented and is beyond the control of the 

 Park Service, (see the Clean Air Act of 1970). 



Man's impact on the sequoia, since 1950 when preservation finally took 

 effect, has been unexpectingly positive. Early concerns over soil 

 compaction were unsupported and now soil compaction has shown to be 

 beneficial to the large trees because of enhanced water retention. More 

 surprisingly, pavement (roadways and sidewalks) have actually 

 extended the growing seasons of the sequoias and they grow 50% faster 

 with the addition of pavement! This is due to moisture retention and the 

 lack of competition by other trees and shrubs. Though this is positive for 

 the growth of the standing giant, there is little chance for regeneration of 

 any species, including sequoias. (Therefore, paving the forest is not 

 recommended.) 



Sec 2 (5) 



"The ancient forests located in the Sequoia and Sierra 

 National Forests provide unique and unparalleled opportunities for 

 scientific study and research." 



Toie, and such research has been in progress for over forty years. In 

 fact, it seems ironic that HR2153 would establish a panel of only nine 

 members who would then have two years to determine a "better" plan 

 than that of the combined staffs of the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Pari< 

 Service, and multiple universities and colleges. Research would be 

 enhanced if Congress allocated the funds HR2153 would require and 

 placed such funds in the hands of the Forest Service to finance ongoing 

 scientific study and research. 



Sec 2 (6) 



"The ancient forests of the Sequoia and Sierra National 

 Forests are the homes of endemic, rare, threatened, and 

 endangered species of plants and wildlife; further destruction and 

 diminution of the forest can only, accelerate the extirpation or 

 extinction of said species. 



Tnje, and this is why the Forest Service has a land management plan. 

 A land management plan is established to determine the best possible 

 management of a very complex ecosystem. In addition to the many 

 animals and plants that inhabit the Sierra Nevada, it is also used and 

 inhabited by man. 



If at any point in time the Forest Service determines that the forest and 



