|
April 30, 2008
Cantwell, Dicks Introduce Legislation to Promote and Protect the Pacific Northwest Trail
Press Release: Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA-06) introduced the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Act of 2008, which will promote the protection and maintenance of the Pacific Northwest Trail.
“The 1,200 mile Pacific Northwest Trail ranks among the most scenic trails in the world.” said Cantwell. “I am proud to work on behalf of Washingtonians to make sure the Pacific Northwest Trail is protected and maintained so hikers and the communities can enjoy its pristine beauty for generations to come.”
Rep. Dicks said, “Designation of the Pacific Northwest Trail will add national recognition to the system of trails across the northern portion of Montana, Idaho and Washington, ending on the Pacific Coast.” He added that the federal recognition “will encourage northwesterners as well as people from across the country to put on their hiking boots and explore some of the nation’s most scenic territory, including through three of our greatest National Parks.”
The National Trails System was created in 1968 by the National Trails System Act. This act authorized a national system of trails to provide outdoor recreation and promote the preservation of outdoor areas. The nation’s eight National Scenic Trails provide recreation, conservation, and enjoyment of significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities.
The 1,200 mile Pacific Northwest Trail, running from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean, ranks among the most scenic trails in the world. The trail includes the Rocky Mountains, Selkirk Mountains, Pasayten Wilderness, North Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and Wilderness Coast and crosses three national parks and seven national forests. The Trail has received National Recreation Trail status in the three national parks it crosses (Olympic, North Cascades, and Glacier) and has also received Millennium status from the Clinton Administration.
Cantwell and Rep. Dicks have long emphasized the need to protect and promote recreation on America’s public lands, including in our National Parks and National Forests. Adding the Pacific Northwest Trail to the National Trail System has gained the support of Commissioners in Clallam, Jefferson, Island, Skagit, Whatcom, Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties in Washington and Boundary County in Idaho. Mayors in numerous cities along the trail support the economic impact the trail has had on their communities.
Map of the Pacific Northwest Trail. In the 6th District, the trail would span the
Olympic Peninsula from Port Townsend to Cape Alava and the Pacific Ocean.
Visit the website of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association
Home >> Newsroom
|
