Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today introduced legislation that would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and designate the Pratt River as Wild and Scenic. H.R. 4113, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Wild Pratt River Act, will expand the existing 394,000-acre wilderness by 22,100 acres to include important lower-elevation lands and complete watersheds.

“The legislation we introduced today is historic,” Reichert said. “Not only does it designate and preserve a wilderness area, but it also shows that we can continue the proud Washington State tradition of protecting public lands by working together. I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of Washingtonians who have worked so hard over the years to protect our cherished lands for future generations to enjoy. My bill was drafted with a bipartisan, collaborative group of citizens dedicated to conservation efforts and to preserving recreational opportunities. We included everyone who cares about this land, taking into consideration the thoughts offered by these interested experts, caretakers and constituents.

“This legislation will protect important wildlife habitat, existing recreational opportunities and local economies that rely on both. By protecting this area, we follow in the direction that not only Washingtonians want to go, but citizens from across our country. Millions of Americans enjoy the outdoors and want to take care of it – and not just for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren.”

The original Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 by the late Congressman Lloyd Meeds and provides economic benefits to the surrounding communities as well as to the entire State of Washington. The legislation, as introduced today, includes only lands within the Eighth Congressional District. Other key provisions of the legislation include:

• To provide protection of the Wilderness Act for lower elevation lands, which ensures a richer diversity of ecosystems, including deeply forested valleys, and increasing the biodiversity of the overall wilderness area. It also provides a broader array of outdoor recreational opportunities for Washingtonians and other visitors who have made the Alpine Lakes Wilderness one of the most-visited in the country.  
• To designate the entire Pratt River, from its headwaters within the existing 1976 boundary of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to its confluence with the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, as a “wild river.”

One of the most visited wilderness areas in the country, the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of the closest blocks of wild forests to an urban center in the country, consisting of the Pratt, Middle Fork and South Fork Snoqualmie Valleys. The area provides diverse recreational opportunities including horseback riding, camping, and fishing. The Pratt River is a truly wild river that supports unique backcountry hiking, kayaking, and whitewater rafting that is unheard of so close to a major urban center.

Please visit http://www.house.gov/reichert/alwawpra.shtml for more information.