Environment

Northwest Washington is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, with great opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, hiking, fishing and kayaking.  I am working to protect open spaces in the 2nd Congressional District with outstanding natural values not only for the benefit of future generations, but also to create good jobs in the tourism and recreation industries today.

Wild Sky Wilderness Act

In 2008, my legislation to create the Wild Sky Wilderness Area, protecting 106,000 acres the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, became law. For seven years, Senator Patty Murray and I worked with a wide, bipartisan coalition of local leaders to make the Wild Sky Wilderness a reality. Together, we created the first new wilderness area in Washington state in twenty years. Washington families and businesses will benefit from this accessible wilderness for generations to come.

Keeping Illabot Creek Wild and Scenic

In 2009, the House of Representatives passed legislation to designate Illabot Creek in Skagit County as a Wild and Scenic River.  The legislation will protect the free-flowing character of Illabot Creek, an important habitat for endangered salmon and trout, while maintaining access for fisherman and hunters.  Senator Murray has introduced similar legislation in the United States Senate.

Preserving Public Access to Mitchell Hill on San Juan Island

Along with Senator Murray, I secured $6 million in the Department of the Interior funding bill for the National Parks Service to purchase and protect Mitchell Hill, a valuable natural and historic landmark adjacent to San Juan Island National Historical Park.  As a result, the 300+ acres of land on Mitchell Hill that was in danger of development will be preserved for public access for future generations.

Protecting Ebey's Landing

I am continuing to work with the Whidbey Island community to protect Ebey’s Landing, the nation’s first historical reserve created to protect farms and farming communities.  President Obama included $1 million in his Fiscal Year 2011 budget to protect farmland on Ebey’s landing, and I am working to pass this funding into law to protect hundreds of acres of farmland.

Protecting Fishing Opportunities in the North Cascades

For over 100 years, sportsmen and women in the Pacific Northwest have stocked high-altitude lakes in the North Cascades with sterile trout.  However, a recent legal opinion threatens this tradition.  I have cosponsored legislation introduced by Representative Doc Hastings (WA-05) to ensure that fisherman will continue to be able to stock fish in the North Cascades National Park.

Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray in Wild Sky.