CALIFORNIA CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION
1221 H STREET    SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA     95814-1910

January 14, 1998

The Honorable Wally Herger
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0502

Dear Congressman Herger:

I have reviewed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee report date November 4, 1997 on the Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery and Economic Stability Act of 1997 as sent by Mr. Duane Gibson. The following comments have been reviewed by Ms. Carolyn Richardson of the California Farm Bureau Federation, Mr. Mike Byrne, Mr. Dick O'Sullivan and Mr, Wally Roney per our discussion on January 13, 1998. We recommend the following amendments to meet the "terms of the agreement" by the Quincy Library Group:

Amend Section 2 (c)(2)(A): IN GENERAL.-The Scientific Analysis Team guidelines for riparian system protection described in subparagraph (B) shall apply to all resource management activities under subsection (d) and all timber harvesting activities that occur in the pilot project area during the term of the pilot project except as limited in the following section (C).

Amend Section 2(c)(2)(C): LIMITATION.-Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the application of the Scientific Analysis Team guidelines to any livestock grazing. In the pilot project area during the term of the pilot project, unless the livestock grazing is being conducted in the specific location at which the Scientific Analysis Team guidelines are being applied to an activity under subsection (d).

Amend Section 2(d)(4): RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT.-- A) program of riparian management, including wide protection zones and riparian restoration projects, consistent with riparian protection guidelines in subsection (c)(2) (B).

With the livestock grazers already complying with stringent, effective riparian guidelines that have been through the NEPA process, these amendments will not only safeguard the livestock grazing industry but will leave a bill that fulfills the intent of the legislation to "conduct a pilot project" in accordance with the "agreement by a coalition of representatives of fisheries, timber, environmental, county government, citizens groups and local communities..," It is clear from reading the bill that grazing interests were not a part of the agreement as it was agreed that grazing would be off the table. These amendments therefore are non-substantive clarifying amendments that are important for the credibility of the legislation and the Quincy Library Group and the grazing industry as they were not a party to the agreement.

Thank you for working with us to clarify the intent and direction of the legislation. We look forward to your response and the opportunity to discuss this with Senator Craig and his staff.

Sincerely,

/s/
John L. Braly
Executive Vice-President

C:   CCA Officers
     Mr. Wally Roney
     Mr. Dick O'Sullivan
     Mr. Mike Byrne
     Ms. Carolyn Richardson
     Mr. Dale Moore

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