Protecting our Forest and Rivers
On November 15, 2011, Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Norm Dicks issued an announcement [1]of their own draft proposal to establish new Wilderness [2], Wild and Scenic River [3] and willing seller National Preserves [4] on the Olympic Peninsula. While this draft proposal does not include everything Wild Olympics proposed, it is a significant and historic milestone for Olympic Peninsula conservation.

Congressman Dicks and Senator Murray's draft proposal would provide 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 give their compromise plan our full support.

Over the past two years, Wild Olympics has been reaching out to Peninsula communities to build support [5] from diverse local voices [6], listen to concerns and get feedback on our draft proposal. More than 4,500 Peninsula residents have signed our petition, and nearly 200 Peninsula businesses, farms, faith leaders, hunting and fishing groups, elected officials, conservation and civic groups support Wild Olympics.

We invite you to give us your feedback in the comments [7] section and sign our online petition [8]. And a big thanks to all of our supporters who turmed out at the recent Congressional public workshops on Sen. Murray's and Rep Dicks' wilderness and rivers proposal.  Hundreds of you packed the four venues in Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Shelton and Hoquiam showing your support for the Wild Olympics!

 

 

Connie Gallant
Quilcene, WA
The Wild Olympics Campaign Chair
November 2011