Alpine Lakes Wilderness Expansion Bill Reintroduced

Washington's hikers don't need to be told about the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. So I hope you'll forgive me if I gush for a moment of lines about the needling peaks, glittering lakes and deep forest strongholds just 45 minutes from Seattle. Okay, that's out of my system.

Will this be the year?

I'm really writing today to tell you that Senator Murray and Congressman Reichert have joined with co-sponsors Senator Cantwell and Congresswoman DelBene to reintroduce legislation aimed at protecting 20,000 acres adjacent to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designating both the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Rivers as Wild and Scenic. This important legislation has cleared every legislative hurdle other than Senate passage.

WTA has supported these additions from the beginning, and we'll continue working with our partners to help move this legislation to final passage. The proposal has been thoroughly vetted and enjoys the support of dozens of elected officials, businesses and non-profit organizations.

Congressman Reichert originally introduced this legislation in late 2007, when his district encompassed the proposal area. Since then, Washington has undergone redistricting, which has moved this part of the Alpine Lakes from his District into Congresswoman DelBene's. It is a sign of his commitment to this legislation, as well as a bipartisan spirit in Washington's Congressional delegation, that he continues to champion the proposal with the wholehearted support of Congresswoman DelBene. They, along with Senators Murray and Cantwell are to be commended.

We will keep you posted as this bill goes forward. In the meantime, if you are in the Eighth Congressional District (Congressman Reichert) or First Congressional District (Congresswoman DelBene), please take a quick moment to call or email both House sponsors with your support. Regardless of your district, a call of thanks to Senators Murray and Cantwell is also in order.

This map shows - in purple - the proposed additions to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness