Press Releases

Today, a markup was held by the Natural Resources Committee on legislation from Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and cosponsored by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA): the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 361); it was passed favorably out of committee. This legislation would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic.

“Protecting this area for recreation and tourism opportunities is one of my highest priorities and I am pleased to see the Natural Resources Committee take this step to moving the Alpine Lakes legislation closer to law,” said Reichert. “Since this issue was first brought to my attention in 2006, I have refused to give up on working to ensure that the Alpine Lakes area receives the recognition and protection it deserves. Not only is this area an elegant, natural gem of both the state and the nation, it supports local economies and creates jobs. I want our children and grandchildren to enjoy everything Washington State has to offer, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one the best and most beautiful legacies we can leave them.”

“With today’s passage of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness expansion bill out of the House Natural Resources Committee, we are one step closer to protecting one of the most popular wilderness destinations in the country,” said DelBene. “While I am concerned with some of the changes made to the bill today, this will not be the final version that the president signs into law. Expanding the Alpine Lakes is crucial in supporting outdoor recreation, which generates $22.5 billion in consumer spending each year and is responsible for 227,000 jobs in our state. A short drive from downtown Seattle, countless residents and tourists visit the Alpine Lakes to camp, fish, hunt, hike and enjoy some of the most spectacular views that Washington has to offer.”

Tom Uniack, Conservation Director for Washington Wild was pleased to see the bill pass out of committee, and recognized the work already done and what remains to be accomplished. "We are happy to see that this important bill passed the House Committee for the first time in four years under the sustained leadership of Congressman Reichert. However, the proposed deletion of low-elevation mature forests along the Pratt Connector Trail is a great concern. These lands are worthy of wilderness designation."

The existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. Key elements of the Alpine Lakes legislation include:

• Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964 for the lower elevation lands, which will bring a richer diversity of ecosystems, including deeply forested valleys, into the wilderness area and increase its overall biodiversity. The addition of these 21,000 acres of public land into wilderness 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, which 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 unheard of so close to a major urban center.