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S. 1737: Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

This bill, known as the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, aims to enhance the protection of certain areas within the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park in Washington State. Here are the key components of the legislation:

Designation of Wilderness Areas

The bill designates approximately 126,554 acres of federal land within the Olympic National Forest as wilderness areas. The specific areas designated as wilderness include:

  • Lost Creek Wilderness: 7,159 acres
  • Rugged Ridge Wilderness: 5,956 acres
  • Alckee Creek Wilderness: 1,787 acres
  • Gates of the Elwha Wilderness: 5,669 acres
  • Buckhorn Wilderness Additions: 21,965 acres
  • Green Mountain Wilderness: 4,790 acres
  • The Brothers Wilderness Additions: 8,625 acres
  • Mount Skokomish Wilderness Additions: 8,933 acres
  • Wonder Mountain Wilderness Additions: 26,517 acres
  • Moonlight Dome Wilderness: 9,117 acres
  • South Quinault Ridge Wilderness: 10,887 acres
  • Colonel Bob Wilderness Additions: 353 acres
  • Sams River Wilderness: 13,418 acres
  • Canoe Creek Wilderness: 1,378 acres

Management and Administration

The Secretary of Agriculture will oversee the management of these designated wilderness areas according to the Wilderness Act. This ensures that activities in these areas align with wilderness preservation goals.

Potential Wilderness Designation

In addition to the designated areas, about 5,346 acres are marked as Potential Wilderness. This area will become formally designated as wilderness once certain nonconforming uses are eliminated.

Wild and Scenic River Designations

The bill also aims to designate several rivers as wild and scenic, including:

  • Elwha River: A 29-mile segment
  • Dungeness River: Multiple segments totaling around 20 miles
  • Big Quilcene River: A segment of approximately 9.7 miles
  • Dosewallips River: A segment of approximately 19.7 miles
  • Duckabush River: A segment of approximately 20.9 miles
  • Hamma Hamma River: A segment of approximately 15.7 miles
  • South Fork Skokomish River: A segment of approximately 27.0 miles
  • Wynoochee River: A segment of approximately 10.0 miles
  • Quinault River: A segment of approximately 24.2 miles

These rivers will be managed under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, aiming to preserve their natural conditions.

Restoration and Management Updates

The bill allows for restoration activities aimed at river recovery and improving ecological functions. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to incorporate these designations into management plans for national forests within three years of the bill's enactment.

Existing Rights and Protections

Existing rights, privileges, and contracts held by private parties remain unaffected by this legislation. Additionally, federal land designated under this bill is withdrawn from various forms of entry and appropriation, safeguarding it from development and resource extraction.

Treaty Rights

The bill explicitly states that it does not alter or diminish the reserved treaty rights of any Indian Tribe related to hunting, fishing, and cultural practices.

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Sponsors

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Actions

2 actions

Date Action
May. 13, 2025 Introduced in Senate
May. 13, 2025 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

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