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DAVID CUTLER editor-publisher

Sierra Glub is out of the closet

The false face the Siena Club affected as an environmental moderate has been permanently ripped away by a recent vote of its members. By a two-to-one margin, its members decided to advocate a complete ban on all commercial logging in the National Forests.

Several things are incredible in this whole business. Initially, that their true beliefs and agendas have been kept under wraps for so long. Literally millions of people have been fooled regarding their true aims. Secondly, that so many in the lumber community believed that a balanced solution to the timber harvesting impasse could be reached with these so-called moderates and their cohorts in the Administration. Additionallv. that the national media, in their ignorance and/or bias, has failed to recognize that one oftheir darlings is no better than the worst of the tree wackos.

Finally, it is incredible that after so many years and so many words, that so many people still haven't a clue that there is a difference between a National Park and a National Forest. There is no realization that National Forest logging does not mean clear cutting Yellowstone National Park.

The difference is critical to correctly understand the situation.

In the last century, Congress established both Nationals Parks and National Forests, recognizing that each had a different role. The parks were to be preserves, protecting the awesome variety and beauty of America. But from day one, the National Forests were mandated by law to be logged. The Congress of that day realized the National Forests should be harvested for their remarkable bounty of wood products as well as enjoyed for recreation and other uses. It was a neat solution that has been lost in this centurv.

Whether the Sierra Club ever knew or cared about the distinction is a moot point. We have no reason to believe other than that they simply exploited every situation for all it was worth. They are nothing if not cynical manipulators of the truth.

But this time they've lost their disguise of moderation. When serious negotiation of environmental issues begins, the Sierra Club can no longer claim a place at the table.