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. #