Alpine Lakes Wilderness Legislation Passes Senate

Senator Patty Murray announced yesterday that Senate Bill 112, The Alpine Lakes Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act, passed the Senate by unanimous consent!  The Mountaineers have long supported the effort to federally designate the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild & Scenic and also expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness by 22,000 acres to include important lower-elevation forests.  Learn more. 

Rafting the Middle Fork Snoqualmie.  Photo by Tom O'Keefe.  

“Today we moved one step closer to expanding the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and ensuring this pristine landscape will be preserved as a legacy for generations to come,”said Senator Murray, “This designation will allow our children and grandchildren to experience these special places in their natural state.”

 “The Alpine Lakes Wilderness offers incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation just 45 minutes from Seattle,” said Senator Cantwell. “Areas like Alpine Lakes help make Washington state unique, and draw visitors and talented workers to our communities. Wilderness areas also ensure the supply of clean water and vibrant wildlife populations."

 Companion legislation has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Suzan DelBene (WA-1), Dave Reichert (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-05), and Jim McDermott (WA-07). The House Natural Resources Committee announced that it will hold a hearing for the bill in July. Stay tuned for results from that hearing!