ALPINE LAKES: Murray Wilderness Expansion Bill Blocked by Senate Republicans

(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray’s (D-WA) legislation, S. 721, the
Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers
Protection Act, was blocked by Senate Republicans as the 111^th
Congress came to a close. Murray’s legislation would expand the Alpine Lakes
Wilderness and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as
Wild and Scenic. The bill passed the full House in March of this year, and it
passed the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in December
2009. 

“I
am extremely disappointed that Senate Republicans blocked this bipartisan
legislation to protect the Alpine Lake wilderness area,” said Senator Patty
Murray. “This legislation would make sure that this pristine environment is
preserved as a legacy and natural resource for generations to come. I was proud
to work across party lines and join with Senator Cantwell and Congressman
Reichert to introduce this bill. And I am going to keep fighting next year to
pass this important legislation.”

“It
is unfortunate that this reasonable, bipartisan bill that is supported by the
majority of Washingtonians is being blocked from fair consideration in the U.S.
Senate,” said Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). “I am committed
to pushing for expanded protection of this treasured landscape in the next
Congress.”

Murray
and Cantwell introduced
the bill in the Senate in March, 2009. The bill was introduced
simultaneously in the House by Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08), Congressmen
Jay Inslee (WA-01), Brian Baird (WA-03), Adam Smith (WA-05), and Jim McDermott
(WA-07).

The
existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 by the late
Congressman Lloyd Meeds and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the
country. It is one of the closest blocks of wild forests to an urban center in
the country and provides diverse recreational opportunities. Key elements of
the new Alpine Lakes legislation include:

• Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964
  for the lower elevation lands, which will bring a richer diversity of
  ecosystems, including deeply forested valleys, into the wilderness area
  and increase its overall biodiversity. The addition of these lower
  elevation lands also has the direct effect of protecting a broader array
  of outdoor recreational opportunities easily accessible for wilderness
  enthusiasts.

• Designating the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers
  as Wild and Scenic, which would permanently protect the rivers’
  free-flowing character, water quality and outstanding recreation,
  fisheries, wildlife, geological and ecological values. This designation
  provides for many recreational activities including unique backcountry
  hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting that is unheard of so close to a
  major urban center.