SEATTLE (May 8, 2008) – President Bush signed into law today the Wild Sky Wilderness Act (H.R. 886/S. 520), as part of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (S. 2739), creating the first new national forest wilderness area in Washington state in more than 20 years. Conservationists praised Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray for their unwavering commitment to Washington’s one-of-a-kind wildlands, and for all of the people who will enjoy this special place now and into the future.
“From the very beginning Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray have remained truly committed to working with local stakeholders and community leaders to address their concerns and meet their needs while developing a proposal that ensures the future of the Wild Sky Wilderness,” said Tom Uniack, Conservation Director of the Washington Wilderness Coalition. “The new Wild Sky Wilderness is a shining example of what we all can accomplish if we come together and work to ensure the future of this great state.”
The new Wild Sky Wilderness protects 106,000 acres of forests, rivers, valleys and mountains in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Much of this area is in low elevation forest, allowing easy access for recreationists and protecting vital habitat for wildlife. Permanent protection of this diverse landscape ensures the ecological future of fish and wildlife throughout the region, safeguards world-class recreational opportunities and bolsters the economies of local communities. Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the Wild Sky’s world-class rafting, fishing, rock climbing, and many spectacular miles of hiking trails. Additionally, visitors and residents alike can enjoy Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and many other forms of recreation. This steady flow of visitors is crucial to the economic stability of many small towns throughout the region.
“Today is an amazing day for wilderness in Washington state,” said Michelle Ackermann, Regional Director of The Wilderness Society. “Thanks to our congressional champions visitors and residents alike will be able to enjoy this world-class recreational destination and know that their children and grandchildren will be able to do the same.”
Work to protect Wild Sky was launched by Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray over 8 years ago. Larsen and Murray brought stakeholders throughout the Sky Valley together and worked with them to develop a proposal that reflected their input. The result was a widely supported proposal that won praise from leaders across the state and on Capitol Hill. Nearly 350 Washington elected officials, 180 businesses statewide, more than 150 religious leaders, 29 local hunting and fishing organizations and more than 30 local and national conservation and recreation organizations support protecting Wild Sky as wilderness.
“Years from now, people won’t remember the struggle and effort that was put into protecting the Wild Sky, but for folks in the Sky Valley this will be one of our finest hours,” said Mike Town with Friends of the Wild Sky. “This legislation is about protecting the Sky Valley’s future and we are truly grateful to have lawmakers like Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray who understand that efforts like this are as much about our communities as they are about our wild places.”
“This has been a long time in the making but it’s more than worth the wait,” said Mark Lawler, local forest conservation spokesperson for the Sierra Club. “We should all celebrate this historic day and be proud of our lawmakers. It shows that we can all work together to ensure the economic future of our towns and communities while preserving spectacular wildlands.”
“We’ve waited a long time for this day, and oh what a great day it is,” said Jon Owen, Deputy Campaigns Director for the Campaign for America’s Wilderness. “After a long struggle, Senator Murray and Congressman Larsen have brought Wild Sky home for all of us?protected for all time. For Americans of all walks of life, of different viewpoints and different interests, Wild Sky is truly our common ground.”
