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multi-use. Formerly, it seemed that we could manage our lands for 

 not only wildlife but working in concert with timber sales or log- 

 ging operations. 



I am wondering if the philosophy of multi-use is starting to drift 

 toward the philosophy that we will use this acre over here for wild- 

 life habitat, and then the next acre, so to speak, for water, and 

 then manage another acre for timber sales. 



We have not done a very good job in trying to integrate all three 

 of those elements on the same acre. Am I correct in that? 



Mr. Leonard. I think that is true. A lot of the polarization that 

 has come to the floor as we have developed forest management 

 plans around the country has been because people wanted to make 

 either/ or choices. They were not looking for how you can integrate 

 uses and in fact get timber production, fish production, recreation 

 opportunities over the forests. We are simply focusing more and 

 more on if you are going to cut timber here, then there is no recre- 

 ation opportunities or the elk herd is going to go. 



I think we have demonstrated over nearly 80 years of manage- 

 ment that there is a lot more compatibility among uses than exclu- 

 sivity that people would like to attribute to these forests. We can 

 manage for multiple use, and we think it is a valid principle. We 

 think it is a way to maximize the benefits of these forests to the 

 public. 



Senator Burns. Is the management tool of clear cutting condu- 

 cive to that philosophy? 



Mr. Leonard. We think so. Clear cutting has, of course, been a 

 major topic of debate. In some forest types it is the most effective 

 tool for regenerating stands of desirable species both for timber 

 production and for wildlife purposes. 



In other stands we have a choice, and we should be making that 

 choice based on the management objectives for that area. 



On still other stands, individual tree selection is a perfectly 

 viable mechanism. 



Clear cutting has been the focus of a lot of attention because of 

 its immediate impact. It is particularly an issue on the Tongass be- 

 cause of the high level of moisture and the fact that the Tongass is 

 a coastal forest. Trees tend to be shallow rooted. Stands have 

 grown up after disturbance from nature, and partial cutting simply 

 is not a viable alternative without subjecting the stand to intoler- 

 able losses from wind throw. 



Senator Burns. How would you compare reforestation, recharge, 

 or the regeneration of the Tongass, in rate of growth to, say, the 

 Cascades along the coast of Washington and Oregon? 



Mr. Leonard. It is comparable. The Tongass National Forest is 

 an extremely productive area. It is a moderate temperate area be- 

 cause of the Japanese current that comes along there and provides 

 a long growing season and high moisture levels. It is comparable to 

 the Oregon coast in terms of productivity, at least in those portions 

 that we are planning to manage for timber production. 



Senator Burns. Mr. Chairman, I have a couple more questions 

 but in the essence of time, I will submit them for Mr. Leonard to 

 answer in writing. 



Mr. Leonard. We would be pleased to respond to those. 



Senator Wirth. Thank you very much, Senator Burns. 



