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Committee on Science and Conservation Reports
Karl Onthank, Chairman
DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Committee sent the Club's resolutions opposing the construction of dams in the Monument area, and favoring HR1037 by Leroy Johnson of California to make the Monument a National Park, to President Eisenhower, Secretary McKay, to the House Committee and Sub-Committee which has the bill providing for the dams. Individual letters are also needed. Write to Sec. Douglas McKay (address letter to Douglas Mckay, Sec. of Interior, Wash. D.C.), who has recommended the dams but could withdraw the recommendation, and especially to Representative A. L. Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, Representative William H. Harrison, Chairman of the Sub-Committee which has the bill and to the Oregon Delegation; also to other Congressmen you know. Do it now! (Address Miller & Harrison - House Office Building, Washington, D. C.)
THREE SISTERS WILDERNESS AREA
Club resolutions favoring the Ridge Boundary rather than the Horse Creek Boundary recommended by the Forest Service, have been sent appropriately. It is Significant that as people become informed, interest and support develop, most of all among those who have seen or explored the area. This was especially evident following the Natural History Society program at which various scientists reported their observations in the area---a meeting put on by Frances Newsom, member of the Committee who doubles as President of the Natural History Society. The Trips Committee plans spring trips into the area to which members of other clubs will be especially invited. The Sierra Club plans a summer camp on Green Lakes from which parties will explore the area. The Committee is getting out a "brief" on the area. If you need information, call a Committee member. The basic issue is chiefly how much is enough for the long future, especially of an area possessing such unique and irreplaceable values.
THE UPPER MCKENZIE
Word comes from Washington that the Cougar Dam on South Fork may be built in cooperation with Eugene Water and Electric Board, which may or may not ease the pressure. McKenzie people have an obvious interest, economic as well as sentimental, and will actively oppose dams on the Upper McKenzie.
RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
An aerial tramway is proposed for Paradise Valley. It is strongly opposed by the Mountaineers of Seattle and other clubs. The directors have approved a resolution opposing this invasion of a National Park. Write to Governor Arthur B. Langlie of Washington at Olympia, whose committee is recommending this, and to the Superintendent of Rainier National Park encouraging the Park Service to stand by its regulations.
The Committee is cooperating with the Federation and other agencies in other "defensive" actions including Olympic Park and Congressman Harris Ellsworth's HR4646 providing that a sustained yield timber operator who loses timberland by condemnation for a dam and reservoir site or other public use may reimburse himself by selecting other government timber land. The Club Directors approved a resolution opposing the bill unless it contains adequate safeguards for Park, Recreational, Wilderness and such other restricted areas, and gives the Forest Service a reasonable and proper voice in the selection. One would think that the small timber operators, who stand to lose rather than to gain from this bill, would oppose it . . .
If it seems discouraging that so much defense is necessary, take heart. It has happened before. When the People, to whom National Parks and Forests belong, are informed and aroused they can win, as they usually have in the past when aroused. So inform yourselves, make yourselves heard by voice and letter, especially to Senators and Congressmen. Let it be known that there are enough conservationists really to matter, that conservation is not partisan but American. And, incidentally, that tree-farming, important as it is, is not synonymous with conservation, but is only one aspect of it. Most Congressmen try to do what their constituents want and are apt to estimate that from the letters they receive.
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