Debate Over National Forests
If President Bush hopes to protect the Sequoias (“Bush Heads Back to Nature, Reopening Debate,” July 15), he should significantly extend the buffer zones around the groves provided by the proclamation he signed July 14. This document forbids damaging activities within rather constricted boundaries, including only small portions of the forest of pine, incense cedar, and fir that surround and mingle with the Big Trees.
It’s a bit like trying to protect whales without ensuring the health of the ocean.
Rep. Mel Levine has introduced legislation that would establish a national monument and would protect 365,000 acres of mixed, coniferous forest around the Sequoias. I hope Bush will urge Congress to pass this important measure so he can sign it into law before the end of the term.
NED BOYER
Pasadena
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