Citizens of Washington State and all across America have reason to celebrate today, with passage in the Senate of the Wild Sky Wilderness Act, as part of a larger lands package.  This important conservation bill will forever protect more than 106,000 acres of scenic national forest lands in the Wild Skykomish River region. 

Along with rugged peaks and beautiful sub-alpine meadows, it will protect key lower-elevation, biologically rich forests along the North Fork of the Skykomish River, safeguarding critical salmon habitat. And it would provide world-class outdoor recreation opportunities for Washington's families.

Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Rick Larsen have spent years building a broad coalition of support for the Wild Sky, garnering enthusiasm from local outdoor recreation groups, local mayors and other elected officials and from hundreds of local businesses in the Sky Valley.

Senator Murray went to bat in the Senate and hit a grand slam.  She overcame some tough obstacles and is sending Wild Sky on its way home for all Washingtonians.  She and Congressman Larsen have stood their ground many times these last seven years, building a strong coalition of support for Wild Sky and it has paid off.  They proved once again that Wild Sky is Washington's Common Ground. 

Although Wild Sky has now cleared both the House and Senate, it must move one more time through the House because it was passed today as part of a larger package of legislation.  We look forward to the broadly-backed measure passing quickly.  After two decades, the time for more Washington wilderness is now.