REP Applauds House Passage of Alpine Lakes Wilderness Bill

March 19, 2010

House passage of legislation expanding the popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington State was applauded today by Republicans for Environmental Protection, a national grassroots organization.

"For everyone who values protecting our natural treasures, passage of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness expansion is good news. We compliment the strong leadership that the bill sponsor, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), has demonstrated on behalf of safeguarding this important piece of our natural heritage for future generations," David Jenkins, REP vice president for government affairs, said. "Congressman Reichert has consistently set a powerful example in showing that conservation truly is conservative."

The legislation, which would add 22,000 acres to the 363,000-acre Alpine Lakes Wilderness, also would designate the Pratt River and Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River as wild and scenic.

"The enlarged wilderness, plus the wild and scenic river designations, will expand the already outstanding recreation opportunities available at Alpine Lakes, one of America's most heavily visited wilderness areas. We urge the Senate to match the House's action and send this worthy legislation to the president as soon as practicable," Jim DiPeso, REP vice president for policy and communications, said.

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