Bush signs Wild Sky Wilderness into law

WASHINGTON -- For the first time in more than two decades, Washington state is getting a new wilderness area because President Bush signed legislation Thursday to protect more than 106,000 acres of forests and streams in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Environmental advocates and lawmakers who had pushed for the Wild Sky Wilderness Area applauded Bush's signature and said they looked forward to other wilderness projects in the state.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said Bush's signature "marks the summit of a long journey."

And Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., noted that it has "been a long, hard climb, but crossing the finish line truly is sweet."

Wild Sky's backers in Congress worked for nine years to pass the law authorizing the wilderness area just a 90-minute drive from downtown Seattle. Supporters, including Murray and Larsen, say the project's long path is a model for other wilderness projects in the state.

Originally, supporters proposed walling off 132,000 acres, but this goal was scaled back after meetings with community leaders and with lawmakers in the House and Senate. Ultimately, 106,577 acres will be protected.

The final bill also excluded some land favored by snowmobile enthusiasts who wanted to be able to ride in the region.

The lawmakers also shifted other proposed boundaries after listening to the leaders of churches and scouting groups who used the land.

Larsen said that the project came together only after "years of community input."

Jon Owen, with the Campaign for America's Wilderness, one of Wild Sky's supporters, said the project has been marked by "careful, thorough collaboration, where Senator Murray and Representative Larsen and members of the wilderness community have reached out ... and consulted with local stakeholders to garner support."

Wild Sky also is unique in the type of land it protects -- low-elevation old-growth forests and 25 miles of salmon-bearing streams. Roughly one-third of the area that will be protected consists of lands under 3,000 feet -- making it easy for hikers and hunters to use.

Previous wilderness areas typically have protected forests at higher elevations, which are more difficult for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to get to.

For environmentalists in Washington state, the next project may be an expansion of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area east of Seattle. Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., has introduced legislation that would add roughly 22,000 acres to Alpine Lakes so that it includes the Pratt River Valley on the west side of the wilderness area.

SEATTLEPI.COM

View a gallery of online photos from the Wild Sky Wilderness Area.