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STATEMENT OF GORDON ROBINSON (41 5) 435-0582 



Supporting The Giant Sequoia Preservation Act of 1993 (H.R. 2153) 



on behalf of Sequoia Alliance- January 1 9, 1 994 



V. MIKE ESPY, et al., Defendants [CV-F-93-5373 OWW].) My 

 observations are as follows: 



A. Old partial logging was excellent. In those areas, 

 the trees vary in size, age, and species, and are obviously 

 putting on growth to match the capacity of the land. The growth 

 is largely in high quality wood. The soli is not eroding and is 

 covered with a good layer of water retaining duff, thus 

 compensating for the relatively dry conditions of the Sequoia 

 National Forest. 



B. Except along the road to Big Meadow, clearcuts 

 extended to the very edge of meadows, leaving no cover for 

 deer, often needed during the presence of deep snow, and 

 particularly when giving birth. This practice also destroys some 

 of the scenic value of the meadow. It greatly diminishes the 

 "recreation opportunity" as defined in the Plan. 



C I saw no snags or large high risk trees left in the 

 clearcuts as habitat for hole nesting species which are the most 

 important protectors of the forest from bark beetles. 



Q I saw clearcuts extending all the way to the edge of 

 the roads everywhere except along the road to Big Meadow, and 

 in a few situations where they had very sparingly responded to 

 protests. Some of the clearcuts, either existing or prepared for 

 sale, destroyed or threatened spectacular areas of natural 

 beauty, such as dramatic rock outcrops, or streamside groves. 

 Surely our public servants should have sufficient sensitivity to 

 leave an acre or two around such sites. 



L A popular campground has been obliterated, the 

 tables and other facilities removed and the area clearcut 



F. Timber has been clearcut all the way to the edge of 

 small streams in what either is or should be designated a 

 Streamside Management Zone (SMZ). In a few cases where there 



