Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that would add the area known as Mitchell Hill in San Juan County to the San Juan Island National Historical Park (NHP) in order to protect the area for future generations.

“San Juan County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state,” Larsen noted. “This bill will protect the open and rural character of Mitchell Hill, so that hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can keep using Mitchell Hill as a vital link in our trails network,” Larsen said.

The bill, known as the San Juan Island National Historical Park Boundary Addition Act of 2005, would transfer the Mitchell Hill property, currently owned by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to the San Juan Island National Historical Park. 

Larsen noted that the request for this legislation came from the community itself: “This bill has wide support in San Juan County from local officials, residents and businesses like Roche Harbor that want to preserve and enjoy Mitchell Hill.”

The National Park Service, San Juan County, DNR and the San Juan Island Trails Committee all support adding the Mitchell Hill property to the San Juan Island National Historic Park (NHP) in the State of Washington.

“Mitchell Hill is a valuable historic artifact that will add to the San Juan Island National Historic Park’s main theme - the boundary dispute between the U.S. and Great Britain,” Larsen stated.

Mitchell Hill is made up of 320 acres adjacent to the English Camp unit of San Juan Island National Historical Park (NHP). It encompasses a portion of the old Military Road that connected English Camp and American Camp during the joint military occupation during the 19th Century.

Larsen first introduced the bill during the 108th Congress.