UPDATE (May 8, 2008) - This morning, the President signed the Wild Sky Wilderness Act into law, officially designating the 106,000 acre area as wilderness. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who supported this effort for many years.
SEATTLE (April 29, 2008) - After years of work, supporters of the Wild Sky Wilderness Act (H.R. 886/S. 520) celebrated today as the legislation passed Congress and was sent to the White House for final approval. Conservationists praised Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray for their unwavering commitment to Washington's wildlands and thanked them for their support of the people and the places that make Washington state such a great place to call home.
"Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray are true heroes of our state's environment. They have never stopped fighting for Wild Sky and today we can finally start celebrating the first new wilderness in Washington in more than 20 years," said Tom Uniack, Conservation Director of the Washington Wilderness Coalition. "Senator Murray and Representative Larsen are fortunate to have had strong support from Washington's congressional delegation throughout this process, including Congressmen Jay Inslee and Norm Dicks and Senator Maria Cantwell."
After more than six years of legislative action, the Wild Sky Wilderness Act has now passed both the House and Senate and is headed to the President's desk, where he is expected to sign the bill into law.
"We owe tremendous thanks to Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray for this wonderful gift that will preserve these spectacular wildlands for our children and grandchildren to enjoy," said Michelle Ackermann, Regional Director of The Wilderness Society. "We applaud the tireless efforts of our congressional champions to safeguard Washington's world-class recreational and wildlife viewing opportunities and their dedication to ensure the future of our state's wild legacy."
The Wild Sky Wilderness proposal would protect 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 is important to ensure the ecological future of fish and wildlife throughout the region, to safeguard world-class recreational opportunities and to bolster the economies of local communities. Thousands of visitors come to Wild Sky country and the region's National Forests to enjoy 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.
"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 remembered as 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. They deserve our highest gratitude for all of their work. They are truly Washington's champions."
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.
"Senator Murray and Representative Larsen are real leaders and great champions of this effort who have really listened and worked with their constituents to make this happen," said Mark Lawler, local forest conservation spokesperson for the Sierra Club. "We should all celebrate this historic day and be proud of our lawmakers."
"In the last decade, Wild Sky has become a symbol for the broad coalition of local folks who want to protect our state's natural treasures," said Jon Owen, Deputy Campaigns Director for the Campaign for America's Wilderness. "Today, Senator Murray and Congressman Larsen have transformed this symbol into a shining example of what we can all accomplish with great leadership and sheer determination. Senator Murray and Congressman Larsen, with the help of Senator Cantwell and Congressman Inslee have truly made Wild Sky Washington's 'common ground'. This is a great day for Wilderness in Washington."
