Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill (H.R. 1593) to designate Illabot Creek in Skagit County as a component of the Wild and Scenic River System.  The House legislation, sponsored by U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), will permanently protect the free flowing nature of this tributary of the Skagit River.  This legislation was introduced in March of this year and earned widespread local support, including endorsements from environmentalists, Skagit County Commissioners, fishing groups, and farmers.  

“I thank my colleagues in the House for supporting the permanent protection of Illabot Creek,” said Larsen.  “This Wild and Scenic designation will benefit not only endangered species such as Chinook salmon, but also families who hunt, fish and hike near this pristine creek.  I thank Senator Murray for teaming up with me to protect this important habitat.”

Illabot Creek, which flows for more than 14 miles through Skagit County, provides important spawning habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout, all threatened species.  Further, the area around Illabot creek is home to several other species including bald eagles, elk, and spotted owls.  Designating the creek as Wild and Scenic will prohibit dams and other water projects that impair the free-flowing nature of a river and establish a protected corridor extending one-quarter mile from the ordinary high-water mark on both sides of the river.

Having passed the House of Representatives, this legislation will now have to pass the Senate before being signed into law.  Senator Patty Murray has introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate and is working to ensure its passage.

“We take our natural resources very seriously in Washington state, and this bill takes us another step forward toward protecting a pristine and delicate habitat for future generations,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Preserving Illabot Creek is vitally important to the many fish and wildlife that depend on it to survive, and it will ensure that this incredible land is protected for hunters, fishermen, and families to enjoy. I thank Congressman Larsen for his strong work on this issue in the House, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to protect Washington state’s amazing natural resources.”

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