Wild Sky Wilderness

On May 8, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Wild Sky Wilderness Act (H.R. 886/S. 520), as part of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (S. 2739), creating the first new national forest wilderness area in Washington state in more than 20 years. Conservationists praised Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray for their unwavering commitment to Washington’s one-of-a-kind wildlands, and for all of the people who will enjoy this special place now and into the future. The Wild Sky Wilderness Act, became the first national forest wilderness to be designated in Washington State in 24 years.

“From the very beginning Congressman Larsen and Senator Murray have remained truly committed to working with local stakeholders and community leaders to address their concerns and meet their needs while developing a proposal that ensures the future of the Wild Sky Wilderness,” said Tom Uniack, Conservation Director of the Washington Wilderness Coalition. “The new Wild Sky Wilderness is a shining example of what we all can accomplish if we come together and work to ensure the future of this great state.”

Legislation

Bill Text (H.R. 886; S. 520)

Proposal Map

Legislative History

Local Support & Public Participation

Complete Endorsement List

Local Support & Public Participation Fact Sheet

Stakeholder Issues Addressed

Fact Sheets

Wild Sky Key Facts

Wild Sky: Stronghold For Native Trout & Salmon

Tour of the Wild Sky Wilderness Proposal

Wild Sky FAQ

Media

08/03/08 Seattle Times, "Washington's newest wilderness area, Wild Sky, has something for everyone"

05/31/08 Seattle Times, "Their wildest dream comes true: Wild Sky Wilderness opens"

05/08/08 Seattle Times, "Bush signs Wild Sky wilderness bill in Washington state"

04/29/08 Seattle Times, "Congress finally OKs Wild Sky Wilderness"

04/29/08 Everett Herald, "Wild Sky Wilderness bill finally clears Congress"

04/15/08 Monroe Monitor, "Wild Sky wilderness bill close to passing"

04/14/08 Seattle Times Editorial, "Another step closer"

04/11/08 Seattle Times, "Wild Sky Wilderness Area appears closer to approval than ever"

01/02/08 Seattle PI Editorial, "Bring It to a vote"

10/31/07 Seattle PI Getaways Section, "Proposed Wild Sky contains some breathtaking roaming country"

05/06/07 Everett Herald, "Meet the Wilderness in your backyard"

04/17/07 Seattle PI, "Creation of Wild Sky Wilderness area finally wins approval in U.S. House"

09/06/05 Everett Herald Letter-to-the-editor, "Arguments against just don't add up"

08/28/05 Everett Herlad Letter-to-the-editor, "Hunting is allowed in wilderness areas"

07/29/05 Everett Herald Editorial, "Wild Sky: Let's try a constructive approach"

06/05/05 Seatle Times Nicole Brodeur Column, "Wild Sky calms this hiker's soul"

11/14/04 Everett Herald Guest Editorial (Rev. John Boonstra), "It's time Wild Sky received a congressional blessing"