Green Mountain Lookout Bill Passes Congress

In a voice vote on the House floor Monday, the Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act (H.R. 908 / S. 404) passed and is on its way to President Obama’s desk for signature. Reps. Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen championed the House bill to save the lookout. The Obama Administration threw its support behind the lookout earlier this year and is expected to sign the bill.

Last week the bill to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness unanimously passed the Senate, led by Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. The lookout was threatened after a U.S. District Court judge ordered its removal back in 2012.

Good news for Darrington and mountain lookout fans

Passage of the bill into law provides a small morale boost for the Darrington community, which has been so hit hard by the Highway 530 landslide.

“In the days after the tragedy occurred, members of the community and the mayor of Darrington asked for support on issues important to the region," said Rep. DelBene during her floor remarks. "One of their requests to our congressional delegation, to Senators Murray and Cantwell and Congressman Larsen and myself was for our help to pass this bill."

“… The Green Mountain Lookout represents a significant piece of Pacific Northwest history. It deserves to be protected for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for many years to come. This bill can’t undo what’s been done but as the mayor of Darrington told me, it can be a piece of good news and a victory for inspiring a community that’s been through so much.”

Larsen: an historic save, a first step for recovery

Before the House voted, Rep. Larsen, cosponsor of the bill to save Green Mountain Lookout, also stated:

“The Green Mountain Lookout is one of few surviving fire lookouts in the West, and is only one of six such lookouts within a Wilderness area. It was also an early warning station during World War II to alert citizens to possible aerial invasion.

“The communities in nearby Darrington and Oso are recovering from last month’s tragic landslide that killed dozens of people and shut the communities off from much of the outside world. First responders, FEMA, and other federal agencies have been extraordinarily helpful in recovery efforts.

“Passing this bill invests in the longer term economic recovery of the region. Many people in these communities rely on outdoor recreation and tourism for their livelihoods. Part of that economy is based on access to historic and beautiful locations like Green Mountain Lookout. With the summer recreation season coming up, protecting Green Mountain Lookout sends a message from Congress to these communities: We’re with you.”

Washington representatives defend Green Mountain

• VIDEO: Rep. DelBene's remarks
• VIDEO: Rep. Larsen's remarks

What you can do

Please take a minute and thank our legislators for their tremendous support for the Green Mountain Lookout.

• Thank Sen. Patty Murray on Facebook or on Twitter @pattymurray
• Thank Sen. Maria Cantwell on Facebook or on Twitter @CantwellPress
• Thank Rep. Suzan DelBene on Facebook or on Twitter @RepDelBene
• Thank Rep. Rick Larsen on Facebook or on Twitter @RepRickLarsen

Read more

• Read the Seattle Times article