625 



rug out of any one of these resource industries is like pulling the 

 plug on any one of our southeast communities. 



As an Alaskan and a citizen of the United States, I find it quite 

 unsettling how such an important decision can be made by people 

 3,000 miles away from the Tongass National Forest. People whose 

 primary concern should be with their own states are making bill 

 proposals and consequently are making decisions, people who have 

 never seen this state or perhaps have only made a short pleasure 

 visit. People such £is you, Senator Wirth, or Congressman Mrazek. 

 You are making a decision for me about my destiny and the desti- 

 ny of the people of the Tongass. For this reason I have gathered my 

 courage to come before you and speak of the things that are so im- 

 portant to me. 



Senator Wirth. Thank you, Mr. Kobylus. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Kobylus follows:] 



