The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Senate Bill 1254) achieved an important milestone when it cleared the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Committee Dec. 14. Sen. Patty Murray (D, Wash.) first introduced the bill in 2012 and reintroduced it yet again in April along with House co-sponsor Rep. Derek Kilmer (D, Wash.).
Now, over a decade since it was first introduced, the bill could finally become law, permanently protecting more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness and 464 miles of rivers as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Please call both of your U.S. Senators today and urge them to support S. 1254.
The legislation was crafted to incorporate extensive community input and would protect old-growth forests, drinking-water sources, and vital salmon runs. It would also enhance outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, camping, boating, hunting, and fishing without closing any roads.
The Wild Olympics Bill is endorsed by more than 800 entities, including local Tribes; sportsmen organizations, outfitters, local elected officials, businesses, farms, conservation groups, and outdoor recreation groups. More than 12,000 local residents have also signed petitions in support of the bill.
In the last Congress, the legislation passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support. As Sen. Murray noted, “Passing Wild Olympics through Committee is a big win, and our job now is to keep up the momentum and get this bill to President Biden’s desk.”
Rep. Kilmer added, “As someone who grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, I learned firsthand that economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand…. I’m grateful for the years-long collaboration to create a proposal that works for folks across the community, including Tribes, sportsmen, conservation groups, timber communities, business leaders, shellfish growers, and everyone in between.”
When contacting your senators, first tell them who you are and that “I support S. 1254, the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.”
Mention two or three reasons why protecting this pristine ecosystem is important. Examples include:
• A wilderness designation would protect sources of clean water for communities and salmon populations.
• Wilderness stores carbon and these old-growth forests play a vital role in protecting against climate change.
• Wilderness promotes biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Wilderness reminds us that humans rely on the natural world for survival.
If you have a personal story that illustrates the value of wilderness, please also share it with your senators.
The Congressional switchboard phone number is 202-224-3121, which can connect you to your senators’ offices. Thank you for helping us protect our irreplaceable forests!
Featured photo: South Quinault Ridge proposed Wilderness, Olympic National Forest (courtesy of Wild Olympics Campaign).
