In May of 2019, Senator Patty Murray and Representative Derek Kilmer re-introduced legislation to establish new Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River protections on the Olympic Peninsula. The bill protects the first new Wilderness designations (more than 126,000 acres) on Olympic National Forest in nearly 30 years and the first-ever Wild and Scenic River designations (for 19 rivers and their tributaries constituting 464 miles of river) on the Olympic Peninsula.
The Olympic Forest Coalition enthusiastically supported the Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and continues to work to advocate for permanent protection of wild places for future generations. The legislation provides durable, permanent safeguards for the Peninsula’s most priceless natural treasures; our towering ancient forests, free-flowing rivers, critical fish and wildlife habitat, and our clean water. We are incredibly grateful for Senator Murray’s and Representative Kilmer’s steadfast leadership and tireless efforts in advancing this landmark legislation. It is truly a historic giant step in the long history of Olympic Peninsula conservation.
Peninsula residents support protecting our last remaining wild forest and rivers. A bipartisan poll found overwhelming support for the Wild Olympics proposal among likely voters in Washington’s 6th Congressional District. Nearly two out of three (64 percent) likely voters support the Wild Olympics plan. Twenty percent of the district voters polled said they were undecided. Only 15 percent are opposed.
Over the past five years, Wild Olympics has been working with neighbors in every single community on the Peninsula to build support from diverse local voices, listen to concerns and get feedback to shape the proposal. More than 12,000 Peninsula residents have written letters or signed our petition, and more than 800 Peninsula & Hood Canal area businesses, farms, faith leaders, sportsmen groups, elected officials, conservation, outdoor recreation, and civic groups have endorsed Wild Olympics.
We thank everyone who has supported us from the beginning of the campaign!
Connie Gallant, Wild Olympics Campaign Chair