Glickman Recommends Creation of Sequoia National Monument

                                                               

                                           Release No.  0111.00

                                                               

                                                               

                                   Keven Kennedy (202) 720-7173

                                         Keven.Kennedy@usda.gov

                                    Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623

                                          Susan.McAvoy@usda.gov







GLICKMAN RECOMMENDS CREATION OF SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT 



WASHINGTON, April 7, 2000 - Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced today

that he is recommending that President Clinton establish a 355,000 acre

national monument to protect Giant Sequoia groves in the Sequoia National

Forest in California.  



"Ancestors of the Giant Sequoias once grew as far east as Colorado and

Wyoming; now these precious trees are only found on the west slope of the

Sierra Nevadas," said Glickman.  "To ensure the permanent survival of these

ancient giants we must provide them with permanent protection."  



Glickman said that a careful review of scientific data and other information,

as directed by President Clinton in February, has led him to believe strongly

that the groves warrant permanent protection as a Forest Service national

monument.  While there are some existing protections for Giant Sequoias, no

such protections exist for the surrounding sub-watersheds on which these trees

depend, or in areas where the risk of fire to Sequoia groves must be

controlled.  As a national monument, the Forest Service will focus its land

management efforts on preservation of the groves and their surrounding

ecosystems. 



"Despite their tremendous size, Giant Sequoias are vulnerable," Glickman said. 

"They are very much affected by what happens on the surrounding forest. 

Logging or nearby development can profoundly affect water quality in the

groves and threaten the long-term survival of these rare trees."



In formulating his recommendation, Glickman said that he kept in mind the

concerns and potential impacts on those within forest dependent communities

near the Sequoia National Forest.  To that end, the Secretary included the

following specific recommendations, in the event the President chooses to

designate a Giant Sequoia monument   



          The Forest Service would continue to manage the monument as part of the

     Sequoia National Forest.   A science advisory panel would be created to

     assist in development of a management plan for the monument.  This would

     allow the best science to guide the appropriate choice and mix of

     ecological management actions, including mechanical treatment,

     prescribed burning, and other techniques necessary to protect the giant

     sequoia groves from catastrophic fire and other threats.  Management

     prescriptions to protect the Giant Sequoia groves and other objects

     protected by the monument would thus be based on the best available

     science, thereby addressing a major concern raised by several members of

     Congress, the California Forestry Association, and local residents.



          All land within the boundaries of the monument would be removed from the

     commercial timber base.  Previously sold timber sales would continue, as

     would timber sales that have a signed decision notice prior to January

     1, 2000.  This provides a two and a half year transition timber supply

     under the new monument designation without adversely affecting the Giant

     Sequoias.  



          Current grazing and special use permits would remain valid and would

     likely be renewed through normal permit processes, subject to otherwise

     applicable laws and regulations governing land use.  

  

          All valid, pre-existing rights, including the access rights of private

     inholders would be preserved.  



          The management plan would require continued public and recreational

     access for hunting, fishing, camping, and certain other activities. 

     Existing camps (for instance, the Camp Whittsett Boy Scout Camp and

     Pyles Boys Camp) would likely continue to operate, subject to normal

     permit processes.  Other facilities, such as Hume Lake Christian Camp,

     which are located on private land within the proposed monument would be

     unaffected by a monument designation.  Following the Secretary's

     recommendation, the Forest Service will immediately resume the

     processing of the camps' pending special use permit applications.  



In addition, if the monument were created, Glickman said he would direct the

Forest Service to increase and enhance educational opportunities within the

monument.  



The Secretary's recommendation was based on information gathered by a team of

career federal employees, including members from the Sequoia National Forest,

Washington Office staff, as well as U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division,

the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service within the Department

of Interior.  They conducted an intensive review of available scientific and

other information, such as historical texts and environmental documentation

prepared for previous federal actions within the area.  The team gathered

extensive public comment from two public meetings held in the Visalia and

Fresno, California, and in consultation with the State, members of the

California congressional delegation, local governments and the Tule River

Tribal Council.  



The President will review the Secretary's recommendation and determine whether

to utilize his authorities, under the Antiquities Act, to establish a Giant

Sequoia monument.  



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