02.09.05

Senate Committee Passes Cantwell Legislation to Protect Upper White Salmon River

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Senate committee today passed U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell's legislation to permanently protect a 20-mile stretch of the upper White Salmon River and one of its tributaries, as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System.

"I see this legislation as not just protecting a pristine river, but also boosting the local economy downstream," Cantwell said.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, of which Cantwell is a member, unanimously passed her "Upper White Salmon and Scenic Rivers Act" (S. 74) during a business meeting this morning.

Cantwell's legislation would protect portions of the upper White Salmon River and Cascade Creek—all located within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Senate passed Cantwell's upper White Salmon legislation last October, only to have the House of Representatives adjourn for the year before it could take action on the measure. Nevertheless, the Bush Administration has previously voiced its support for the bill. Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) has also introduced companion legislation (HR 38) in the House of Representatives.

Cantwell's legislation enjoys wide support from the local business community. At a committee hearing on the bill last year, Cantwell showed her colleagues a petition supporting the proposal that was signed by 102 local citizens, 30 of whom represent businesses in the area.

The local petition read, "This is a magnificent gem of a river, with waters that plunge through rugged canyons and provide many benefits for small towns on the way – organic herb and dairy farms; river rafting; kayaking; bed and breakfast enterprises; tourism; hiking; fishing; camping; wildflower viewing; sales of gas and food. These are only a few of the businesses and recreational activities that provide livelihoods for residents of our rural region."

Cantwell originally announced the introduction of her legislation in August 2003 during a press conference at the Vancouver headquarters of the United States Forest Service. In a show of support, several local business leaders joined her at the announcement, including Dean Hostetter, the owner of "The Farm" Bed & Breakfast in Trout Lake.

"Our Bed & Breakfast business gains significantly from recreational and scenic opportunities which guests can enjoy," Hostetter said recently. "Our local community also has shown strong support for this project. This will certainly benefit our region's economy too."

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