plexities of each, and I might digress by saying they are immensely 

 complex. 



As is so often the case with natural resource issues, we are 

 charged with the very difficult task of ensuring that competing re- 

 source uses are balanced and that the legitimate concerns are dealt 

 with fairly and responsibly. 



I am looking forward to hearing from the witnesses today in 

 hopes that these experts can help clarify the very complicated 

 issues involved and assist us in making prudent decisions regarding 

 the future management of the Tongass. 



I have also made a personal commitment that the subcommittee 

 will travel to Southeast Alaska to hear first-hand from the people 

 most directly affected by these two measures. 



I would ask that today's witnesses keep their testimony to ap- 

 proximately 5 minutes to give everybody a chance to testify and 

 allow the opportunity for questions afterward. At this point I 

 would like to place copies of both measures in the hearing record. 

 The record will remain open for 2 weeks to receive additional 

 testimony. 



[The texts of S. 237 and S. 346 follow:] 



