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  For Immediate Release    
  June 10, 2003    
     
 
Baird Introduces Bill to Protect Upper White Salmon River
Legislation designates 20-mile stretch of river Wild and Scenic
  
     

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Brian Baird introduced legislation today to include a portion of the White Salmon River in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS).  Original co-sponsors of the bill include Baird’s colleagues from the Washington State Congressional delegation: Representatives Dicks, Inslee, Smith, Larsen and McDermott. 

Located in south-central Washington, the White Salmon River is known for its exhilarating white water rapids, stunning scenery and abundant fish and wildlife.  In 1986, the river received national recognition when Congress designated the lower eight miles of the White Salmon as a National Wild and Scenic River, while directing the Forest Service to study the upper White Salmon for possible wild and scenic designation.  The study determined that the upper White Salmon River and its tributary, Cascade Creek, are eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS based on their free-flowing condition and outstanding scenic, hydrologic, geologic and wildlife values. 

In 1997, the Secretary of Agriculture concluded that the “outstanding natural, scenic and recreational values of the recommended segment of the Upper White Salmon are unique and irreplaceable resources.  We believe that the best use of the proposed river segments and the immediate environment would be served by adding this... segment to the existing White Salmon Wild and Scenic River.”

“Anyone who has seen the upper White Salmon understands how important it is to preserve this treasure for future generations,” said Baird.  “We must act now to ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the natural beauty of our wild and scenic rivers.”

Baird’s legislation would designate segments within the Gifford Pinchot National forest, totaling 20 miles, for inclusion in the NWSRS.  Designation will preserve the river’s free-flowing nature as well as the natural values and rural life-style in the surrounding areas.  The bill has broad public support within the local community and throughout the region, including the U.S. Forest Service. 

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