Wild Sky Wilderness

Murray's Work

Senator Murray introduced a bill to preserve over 106,000 acres of wilderness in the Snoqualmie National

Eagle Lake at Ragged Ridge (More Wild Sky Photos)

Forest.

The proposed Wild Sky Wilderness is north of Index and is only 90 minutes from 2.5 million Washington residents.

Since 2002, Murray’s bill has passed the Senate three times. Unfortunately, the bill was never brought up for a vote on the House floor.

In February 2007, Senator Murray reintroduced her bill, S. 520. Rep. Rick Larsen introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, H.R. 886.

The Proposed Wilderness Will:

Protect wildlife and promote clean water - by preserving the landscapes that host many native plants and animals. The wilderness will help protect wolves, mountain goats, black and grizzly bears, deer, and healthy runs of salmon, steelhead, and trout.

Enhance and protect recreational opportunities for the region - It protects the area for today's users and seeks to open up new areas for climbers, hikers, hunters, and anglers. It directs the Forest Service to work with the public to develop new trails -- in and around -- the wilderness to expand public access to these remarkable landscapes.

Reflect the diverse landscapes of the Puget Sound region - Only 6.6 percent of all Washington state wilderness areas are under 3,000 feet. As a result, current wilderness areas don't reflect the entire array of ecological systems. The Wild Sky Wilderness is made up of about 30% low-land areas -- including low-land forests and salmon-bearing streams.

Contribute to the local economy - People looking for easy and quick access to nature will see the Wild Sky listed in maps and hiking books as a special destination. Every climber, hiker, hunter, and angler setting out to the Wild Sky Wilderness will be stopping at hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and stores in the gateway communities in the greater Skykomish area.