The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Last Thursday, Senator Patty Murray announced that legislation to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and federally designate both the Pratt and stretches of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic has passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent. Senate Bill 112, The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act, was introduced by Senator Murray and cosponsored by Senator Cantwell (D-WA). It would expand the existing wilderness area by more than 22,000 acres to include important lower-elevation lands and watersheds.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Dave Reichert (WA-08), and is cosponsored by Representatives Adam Smith (WA-05) and Jim McDermott (WA-07).

The existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 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.