SEATTLE (April 17, 2007) - Supporters of the Wild Sky Wilderness Act (H.R. 886/S. 520) celebrated today as the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to protect 106,000 acres of wild lands in the heart of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The bill, which passed on a voice vote, was heralded as a significant milestone and a major step towards the designation of the first new Wilderness in Washington State in more than twenty years.  Washington Wilderness supporters now turn their attention towards the Senate where the legislation has passed three previous times.

"The Wild Sky is a true wilderness treasure only 90 minutes from Seattle.  After working for over 6 years to protect this spectacular area, it is very gratifying to see the Bill finally pass the House." said Nalani Askov, Executive Director of the Washington Wilderness Coalition.  "Supporters of the Wild Sky and the people of this State owe a huge debt of gratitude to Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray for their determination to keep pushing this measure through.  We hope the Senate will take up the bill and pass it quickly." 

With the bill finally passing the House of Representatives, wilderness supporters are anxious to see the Senate take action.  Over the past five years the bill passed the Senate three separate times where it has enjoyed strong bipartisan support including support from the Bush Administration.

"Today's vote is a huge step forward not only  for Wild Sky, but for the many Washingtonians who wish to preserve this wilderness for our children and grandchildren to experience," said Michelle Ackermann, Regional Director of The Wilderness Society.  "Representative Larsen and Senator Murray have been true champions. We applaud their unwavering support of Wild Sky; so many people have remained dedicated to the protection of this amazing place."
 
The Wild Sky Wilderness proposal would protect 106,000 acres of forests, rivers, valleys and mountains in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.  Permanent protection of this diverse landscape is important to ensure the ecological future of fish and wildlife throughout the region, to safeguard the world-class recreational opportunities and to bolster the economies of local communities.  Thousands of visitors come to the Wild Sky and the region's National Forests to enjoy world-class rafting, fishing, rock climbing, and many spectacular miles of hiking trails. Additionally, visitors and residents alike can enjoy Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and many other forms of recreation. This steady flow of visitors is crucial to the economic stability of many small towns throughout the region.

"This is a dream come true for folks in the Sky Valley," said Mike Town with Friends of the Wild Sky.  "Protecting the Wild Sky will help protect our communities' future.  Sky Valley is the gateway to our state's great wild forests and this legislation will ensure the future of both.  We hope the Senate will act quickly."

More than 350 Washington Elected officials, 29 local hunting and fishing organizations, 180 businesses statewide, 140 religious leaders and more than 30 local and national conservation and recreation organizations support protecting Wild Sky as wilderness. 

"Many of us here in Washington State have waited years for this result" said Town.  "Senator Murray and Representative Larsen deserve all the credit.  They've never given up and we hope this unwavering effort will see the Wild Sky through this year."