05.08.08

President Bush Signs Public Lands Package into Law

Bill Includes Wild Sky and Bainbridge Island Memorial

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today celebrated a big win for Washington state.   President Bush signed into law legislation that will protect some of Washington state’s most sensitive, historic, and culturally significant areas.  Part of this large public lands package included the Wild Sky Wilderness designation and legislation designating Bainbridge Island as a National Park Service historic site status. Cantwell has long been committed to protecting Washington state public lands, and worked with many of her colleagues to ensure their preservation for future generations.  
 
“Wild Sky will provide Washington state with its first new wilderness in two decades, and I applaud President Bush for signing it into law today," said Cantwell.  "Creating this new wilderness area in Washington means more opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, a boost to tourism, protection for wildlife habitats and preservation of clean water sources.  After years of hurdles and obstacles, I'm so proud to see this day finally come."
 
The Wild Sky Wilderness legislation led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA-02) would permanently protect 106,577 acres of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest as wilderness. The area lies just north of Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains, and is only 90 minutes by car from 2.5 million Washington residents.  The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial will be a satellite unit of the Minidoka Internment National Historic Monument.  The Minidoka site in Jerome County, Idaho marks the place where many of those forcibly removed from Bainbridge Island were eventually sent. The dock site marks the place where the first 227 Japanese Americans interned during World War II were forcibly removed from their homes and communities. Construction of the memorial began in 2006 with the help of funding from private donors and the State of Washington.  
 
“The dedication of Bainbridge Island will serve as an important reminder of the injustice suffered by Japanese American citizens and will provide an opportunity for future generations to learn from the past,"  said Cantwell. “I am proud that we are finally recognizing this important part of our nation's and state's history and hope that it will be signed into law quickly.”
 
 
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