Murray, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Protect Green Mountain Lookout

(Washington, D.C.) –Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell introduced legislation that would protect the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness.  The legislation comes after a group based out of Montana filed a lawsuit against the US Forest Service (USFS) for using a helicopter and machinery to repair Green Mountain lookout in the Glacier Peak Wilderness within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.  As a result, a U.S. District Court ordered the USFS to remove the lookout. 

The lookout is an important part of the region, and reflects a unique and vanishing part of the Pacific Northwest’s heritage.  It is one of few surviving fire lookouts in the West, and 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 Washington State Trust for Historic Preservation named it one of the ten most endangered buildings last year, before the court made its decision. 

“Green Mountain Lookout is an important part of our state’s history, and is cherished by the local community,” Senator Murray said.  “I am proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Cantwell to preserve the lookout for future generations and keep this popular hiking attraction in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.”

“This legislation would preserve a historic structure within the Glacier Peak Wilderness,” Senator Cantwell said. “First built nearly 80 years ago, the Green Mountain Fire Lookout is a testament to the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps members who carried heavy parts up the steep mountain to construct the lookout. I look forward to working with Senator Murray and Congressman Larsen in the House to ensure the historic Green Mountain Fire Lookout is preserved for future generations to enjoy.”

Earlier this year, the Senators joined Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use all legal means to protect the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness.  Congressman Larsen has already introduced identical legislation in the House.