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My name is Sylvia Geraghty, I'm from Tokeen and I was born in the 

 Territory of Alaska 50 years ago. I'm here representing Alaskans for 

 Responsible Resource Management (ARRM). a group of small logging 

 operators, fishermen, trappers, subsistence users, and others. We have 

 about 130 supporters. 



I would like to personally thank you. Senator Wirth. for your interest in the 

 Tongass and for introducing the Tongass Timber Reform Aa. I urge you to 

 strengthen your bill by adding PERMANENT PROTECTION for the 23 key 

 areas specified in the bill. Since I live on the west coast of Prince of Wales 

 Island. I know first hand what will happen to every inch of land not 

 permanently protected by law. 



Members of our organization have seen many years of a timber industry and 

 Forest Service bureaucracy out of control and with an incredibly arrogant 

 attitude toward those of us who have genuine and deep concerns over the 

 Tongass. Our own Congressional Delegation refers to the Alaskan people as if 

 they all share a pro limber industry view, which is obviously far from true. 



What has been a land of opportunity for the timber industry also is OUR 

 land, and far too often their riches have equaled our losses. Favorite bays 

 and coves, fish and game habitat, recreational opportunities; indeed, our 

 very way of life has changed forever because of the impact of this industry. 

 Prince of Wales and adjacent islands have at least one mile of road for every 

 man, woman, and child living there. When is enough, enough? Who decided 

 that we needed or wanted roads everywhere? What does the future really 

 hold for us when all of the extremely valuable high volume old growth is 

 gone? Will we be Appalachia North, with no timber industry at all? A very 

 real possibility. It is highly unlikely that second growth from the Tongass 

 can ever compete with the far less costly second growth in Washington and 

 Oregon. 



We are certainly aware that loggers are not responsible for the problems we 

 have today. They are merely doing their jobs and make no decision on 

 where or when. ARRM strongly supports the small, independent operators 

 and mills and their employees. We believe that the 50-year contracts must 



