On November 10, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that legislation she introduced to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic has passed the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Murray’s bill, S. 322.
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act, would expand the existing wilderness by over 22,000 acres to include important lower-elevation lands and watersheds.
Senator Patty Murray introduced the bill in the Senate in February with Senator Maria Cantwell as a cosponsor. The bill was introduced simultaneously in the House (H.R. 608) by Congressman Dave Reichert (R- WA-08).
“Today we have moved one step closer to new protections for the Alpine Lake Wilderness area that will guarantee that this pristine environment is preserved as a legacy for the enjoyment of generations to come,” said Senator Patty Murray. “I was proud to join with Congressman Reichert to introduce this bill, and I will continue working until this important legislation is signed into law.”
The existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 by the late Congressman Lloyd Meeds and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. It is one of the closest blocks of wild forests to an urban center in the country and provides diverse recreational opportunities.
Key elements of the new Alpine Lakes legislation include:
· Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964 for lower elevation lands, which will bring a richer diversity of ecosystems, including deeply forested valleys, into the wilderness area. The addition of these lower elevation lands also has the direct effect of protecting a broader array of outdoor recreational opportunities easily accessible for wilderness enthusiasts.
· Designating the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic would permanently protect the rivers’ free-flowing character, water quality and outstanding recreation, fisheries, wildlife, geological and ecological values. This designation provides for many recreational activities including unique backcountry hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting that is easily accessible from a major urban center.
Washington is known for its ecological and environmental diversity. It has long been a bipartisan endeavor to protect the wilderness and natural resources of the state.
More about the bill from Senator Patty Murray.
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