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A. Is the necessity for maintaining a natural condition in forest lands more important than protecting these lands from fire? If not, an exception should be provided whereby firebreaks and fire control roads can be constructed by mechanical equipment in wilder- ness a.reas. This would require an amendment of S. 1123. \ , B. Who should be responsible for ordering means for the control of insects and diseases in the national forests? Under the legislation, this could be done only by the Secretary of Agriculture. At least in one instance- -the White River Area of Colorado--we have a case where the length of time required to gain such approval permitt- ed the spread of the spruce beetle to the point where thousands of acres of valuable forest were completely destroyed. Is the necessity for maintaining wilderness free from mechanical equipment more impor- tant tllan permitting on-the-ground exceptions where a forest is threat- ened by insects and diseases? C. Is the maintenance of a wilderness condition more impor- tant than the application of scientific mechanical means of watershed management and protection to prevent floods and erosion and promote useful vegetation? If so, amendments to the legislation are necess- ary, since such is prohibited under the existing legislation. D. Much money has been spent by the United States in learn- ing methods of scientific forest management. Is the maintenance of the wilderness condition in a given area more important than permis- sion to utilize mechanical means to institute such practices of forest management as will make our forests healthier, more useful, and possibly increase the amount of water supply to be realized from such forests? If the institution of proper forest management on our forests is more important than the maintenance of a pure wilderness condition, the legislation must be amended. E. In the event of an emergency in wilderness areas, possibly involving the lives of one or more persons, should emergency equip- ment be permitted to go into the areas? If so, again, an amendment would be necessary because such is prohibited under the existing legislation. F. Does the maintenance of a pure wilderness condition require that airplanes be not permitted to fly over wilderness areas? Under the existing legislation, it is my opinion that the operation of aircraft over any of these areas, regardless of altitude and regardless of the effect on transportation or military defense, would be prohibited. .13.