Wild and Scenic for Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie (WA) Passes House
ALPINE LAKES PROTECTION SOCIETY * AMERICAN RIVERS * AMERICAN WHITEWATER * CASCADE CHAPTER SIERRA
CLUB * MIDDLE FORK COALITION * NORTH CASCADES CONSERVATION COUNCIL *
THE MOUNTAINEERS * THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY * WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION * WASHINGTON WILDERNESS
COALITION
Supporters of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie
Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 1769 / S. 721) celebrated as the legislation moved closer to final
passage. The measure, which passed out of the House of Representatives today, would protect an
additional 22,000 acres of wilderness adjoining the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and
would add 10 miles of the Pratt River and nearly 30 miles of the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie
River to the National Wild and Scenic River System. Washington wilderness supporters thanked
Representative Dave Reichert for his continued leadership, advocacy and bipartisan approach to
protecting the wilderness and free-flowing rivers in the North Cascades.
“This is a great day for wilderness and wild and scenic rivers in our beautiful North
Cascades,” said John Chelminiak, North Cascades Initiative director for The Wilderness
Society. “We thank Congressman Reichert for his continued leadership to build legislation
on bipartisan and strong local support and to preserve these amazing places for all
Washingtonians to experience and enjoy.”
Originally designated in 1976, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area has since become one of the most
popular wilderness areas in the country. The legislation would add an additional 22,000 acres to
the existing wilderness area. These additions are comprised of diverse low-elevation forests with
robust fish and wildlife populations that include cougars, black bears, elk and native trout. The
inclusion of low-elevation land will conserve diverse ecosystems, add to the biodiversity of the
wilderness area and protect recreational opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, fishing,
climbing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
“Washington state lawmakers have built a rich history of working with local citizens to
protect a wild legacy for future generations,” stated Tom Uniack, conservation director for
Washington Wilderness Coalition. “Congressman Reichert and Senator Murray are continuing
the work that was started with the original Alpine Lakes Wilderness designation and we applaud
their continued leadership.”
The legislation would keep the entire Pratt River and the upper portion of the Middle Fork of the
Snoqualmie River in their present pristine condition. These rivers are home to world-class
fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting, are within easy reach of Seattle and provide residents
with easy opportunities to experience their free-flowing nature.
“Protection of these spectacular rivers is so important to the quality of life we enjoy in
this region,” said Thomas O’Keefe, Pacific Northwest stewardship director for
American Whitewater. “The Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie are the rivers where my son has
learned to kayak and where he took his first casts with a fly rod. We are truly blessed to live
in a community with the natural resources that these rivers represent. This legislation will
protect the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie just the way they are for future generations and for
the benefit of our communities.”
The protection of these valuable rivers under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System would
also safeguard high water quality for downstream residents and preserve critical wildlife and
fish habitat.
"We applaud Congressman Reichert and Senator Murray for championing these wild and scenic
designations that ensure we will continue to enjoy these wonderful rivers today and for
generations to come," said Bonnie Rice, associate director of river protection at American
Rivers. "Rivers provide important migration corridors for wildlife and cold, clean water for
native fish. And as we've seen with other wild and scenic rivers in the Northwest and across the
country, this special designation can bring real benefits to local economies and
communities."
“Protecting these areas was part of our original vision for the 1976 Alpine Lakes
Wilderness designation. This bill is a fitting acknowledgment of the countless hours of work over
the last 30 years by local grassroots volunteers to gain protections for the Pratt-Middle Fork
region,” said Donald Parks of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society. “The rare
low-elevation old-growth and mature forests, the protected rivers and streams, along with the
assurance that these places will remain protected for future generations, will be lasting tribute
to the vision and courage of Congressman Reichert and Senator Murray.”
Together, Congressman Reichert and Senator Murray have developed legislation that protects some
of Washington’s remaining wild resources while ensuring future recreational opportunities.
Strong support has also been provided by the Washington congressional delegation, including
Senator Cantwell and Representatives Inslee, Smith, Baird and McDermott, who were original
cosponsors of the legislation. The final action that needs to be taken is for the U.S. Senate to
pass the legislation and send it onto President Obama for his signature.
“Grassroots supporters of the Alpine Lakes country have never given up hope, nor stopped
working to see that additional critical habitat and recreational areas would be protected,”
said Mark Lawler of the Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club. “Today, thanks to hard work and
dedication by members of our Washington delegation, these special places have a real chance of
being protected for future generations to enjoy.”