On March 18th there will be a public hearing.  The public hearing goes as follows:

1.  At 10:00 a.m. Art Gaffrey the Forest Supervisor for the Sequoia National Forest will make opening remarks and give an over view.
2.  Next will come a panel of 8 to discuss 3 questions that the Forest Service has provided:     a.  What land area is ecologically necessary for the proper care and management of the giant sequoia and their ecosystems?
b.  Are there other historic, prehistoric, or ecological values that should be considered for inclusion in a national monument designation? 
c.  What sort of actions (management) are needed for the proper care of giant sequoia and their ecosystems?

*Unknown all the panel members at this time, however we do know it will include - the Sierra Club, National Resource Defense Council, SAMS, BackCountry Horsemen, and the Cattlemen's Association.  Following this panel will be a panel of interagency representatives.  We Know Fresno, Tulare & Kern County Boards of Supervisors have been invited, we Know Congressional Representatives have been invited as well as both Calif. US Senators. (One Sen. has declined to participate).

Following this panel their will be an open mike for public testimony (3 minutes per person).  This is the one hearing to be held. Congressman Bill Thomas from Kern County has demanded a 2nd hearing, which As of this writing has not yet been approved by Washington.

The Hearing:
The Future of Giant Sequoia
Saturday, March 18, 2000
Fresno County Fairgrounds
Fine Arts Building
1121 South Chance Avenue
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Directions:
From the South - Take Hwy 99 North, exit at Ventura Street proceeding eastbound on Ventura approximately 2.5 miles to the fairgrounds.

From the North - Take Highway 99 South to Ventura Street Exit proceeding approximately 2.5 miles to the Fairgrounds

From the West - Take Highway 180 (this puts you directly on Kings Canyon Road) until Chance Avenue.  Turn right on Chance Avenue.  The Fairgrounds are on the left.

From the East - Take Highway 180 (this puts you directly on Kings Canyon Road) until Chance Avenue.  Turn left.  The fairgrounds are on the left.

RALLY  RALLY  RALLY RALLY

Those who oppose the monument are encouraged to meet at the grassy area adjacent to the Fine Arts Building.  We will be having a rally at 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. If you cannot attend the Rally, that is understandable, BUT PLEASE GET EVERYONE TO COME TO FRESNO ON THE so that we can speak with one voice very loud and clear.  ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!