Environment
The 2nd Congressional District is rich in natural beauty with a strong tradition of environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation, including hunting, hiking, fishing and kayaking. Protecting our natural resources, marine species and habitat contributes directly to our economic vitality through fisheries, tourism and recreation, marine transportation, and commerce.
Wild Sky Wilderness Act
In 2008, my legislation to create the Wild Sky Wilderness Area, protecting 106,000 acres the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, became law. For seven years, Senator Patty Murray and I worked with a wide, bipartisan coalition of local leaders to make the Wild Sky Wilderness a reality. Together, we created the first new wilderness area in Washington state in twenty years. Washington families and businesses will benefit from this accessible wilderness for generations to come.
Here are some of my top environmental priorities for the 111th Congress:
Keeping Illabot Creek Wild and Scenic: In March 2009, Senator Patty Murray and I introduced legislation to designate Illabot Creek in Skagit County as a Wild and Scenic River. The legislation will protect the free-flowing character of Illabot Creek, an important habitat for endangered salmon and trout, while maintaining recreational opportunities.
Protecting Mitchell Hill on San Juan Island: I am working to secure funding for the National Parks Service to purchase and protect Mitchell Hill, a valuable natural and historic landmark adjacent to San Juan Island National Historical Park. The President’s Fiscal Year 2010 Budget included funding specifically to purchase Mitchell Hill, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to protect this land from development and enhance recreational opportunities for visitors.
Protecting Ebey's Landing: I will continue to work with the Whidbey Island community to continue to preserve Ebey’s Landing, the nation’s first historical reserve created to protect farms and farming communities.
Restoring Salmon Habitat: Restoring salmon habitat is critical for salmon recovery efforts. I have requested funding for several cost-effective salmon recovery initiatives within the 2nd Congressional District. I strongly support the Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), which was established to provide grants to state, tribal and local salmon recovery efforts for Pacific Northwest states.
