1997 FWOC Resolution
No. 11:
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FOREST MANAGEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH FINDINGS OF
SIERRA NEVADA ECOSYSTEM PROJECT (SNEP)
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The Sierra Nevada
Ecosystem Projected (SNEP) was a project authorized by Congress
allotting $1 million to the University of California for a study on the
Sierra Nevada. The final report on this study entitle "status of
the Sierra Nevada" and dated June, 1997 concludes that:
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1. Aquatic and
riparian systems are the most altered and impaired habitats of the
Sierra Nevada.
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2. Timber harvest has
increase fire severity in the Sierra Nevada more than any other recent
human activity.
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3. The most important
causes of the decline of Sierra Nevada wildlife has been the loss of
riparian, foothill and late successional forest habitat.
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4. Riparian areas in
the Sierra Nevada have been damaged extensively by mining, dams
diversions, roads, logging, and residential development.
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5. Excessive sediment
yield into streams is causing widespread water quality problems in the
Sierra Nevada.
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6. Total fire
suppression has caused a build-up of fuels.
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The Federation of Western
Outdoor Clubs strongly supports immediate action and continued
management by Federal, State, and local agencies to protect and restore
fragile old growth forest and riparian and aquatic ecosystems
identified in the SNEP report and that the Forest Service by encouraged
to use prescribed fire in their management.
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F.W.O.C. urges member clubs and members to
send this resolution to the U.S. Forest Service and appropriate
California State Agencies.
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