Bruce Westerman: “3,000 years; that is how long some giant sequoias have been alive. To put this into perspective, these trees started…”

“3,000 years; that is how long some giant sequoias have been alive. To put this into perspective, these trees started growing before the concept of democracy, the English language, and the birth of Christ. The Mariposa Grove, the largest grove of giant sequoias in Yosemite National Park has been a source of inspiration for generations. When the Washburn Fire recently hit the Mariposa Grove, the fire's intensity dramatically decreased, thanks to 50 years of thinning and prescribed burns. There is a stark contrast between areas that have a history of proper management and those that have been disregarded. While the fire subsided in the Mariposa Grove, surrounding areas that did not receive sufficient management were destroyed. As a licensed forester, I take it upon myself to seek science-based solutions for the conservation of our forests. The Mariposa Grove serves as a prime example of how mechanical thinning and prescribed burns are necessary tools for proper forest management. It is my hope that the grove continues its legacy of inspiration by encouraging a new generation of proactive forest management that will protect these iconic trees for the enjoyment of generations to come. It is past time for the Natural Resources Committee to mark up the bipartisan Save Our Sequoias Act, and for the House to pass it to protect these iconic national treasures. Great Basin Bristlecone Pine Trees”