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We do not see this bill to be consistent to the very purpose it statt j ir. '" 

 title, to preserve the giant sequoias. 



We do not see this bill to be consistent to goals of enhancing the liv 

 others through the many organizations and businesses that 

 already function in the Sequoia National Forest. 



We also take exception to the findings in HR2153 that suggest there 

 would be an opportunity for more recreation. That is untrue and has never 

 happened historically. Take a lesson from the Redwood National Park on the 

 coast of California. (What if you built a park and nobody came?) 



It is also stated that revenue from new business ventures would replace 

 the revenue from the timber industry. That, too, is untrue. Indeed, the bill itself 

 says there is to be no new development and only road closures and the 

 restoration to natural states. 



When it says that property values would increase because of 

 discontinued logging, this is also untrue. The Hume Lake basin was contracted 

 out for a salvage timber sale about two years ago. The sale successfully 

 removed excessive fuel loads, thinned out dense sections of fir. cedar and pine, 

 and removed diseased trees and trees infested by beetles. Our property value 

 would in fact decrease if it were burned to the ground because fuel loads were 

 not managed. 



HR2153 is in our opinion, a poorly written, pooriy thought out attempt to 

 save something that is already saved. Please, yes, let's save the giant 

 sequoias forever. But do it through sound, accepted science, not by rhetoric 

 that is designed to tug on emotional heart strings. There is enough emotion 

 involved already in the conservation movement. What we need now is simply 

 more wisdom on how to manage our resources. 



In Portland this last summer Jack Ward Thomas, who is now the Chief of 

 the Forest Service made a statement to President Clinton. He said: "I also find 

 that there is a large confusion in the body politic about what science is. Science 

 is a process. It's not a product. Scientists propose; elected officials and others 

 dispose . . . You [Mr. President] command natural resource agencies that have 

 incredibly talented people in your employ. They are highly skilled, They are 

 incredibly motivated. They can do marvelous things' when they understand their 

 mission and it's clear and it's concise and all of them move forward together." 



We agree. Please allow those talented people in the Forest Service to 

 do what they do best. If some direction is needed, please provide that direction. 

 If stronger legislation is needed, simply endorse the current management plans 

 already in effect. But, please do not isolate and damage the very trees and 

 ecoregion we need to protect and enjoy. We strongly oppose HR2153. 



Bob Phillips and Jeff Lilley On behalf of Hume Lake Christian Camps 



64144 Hume Rd. 

 Hume. CA 93628 (209)335-2881 



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