DelBene Testifies before House Natural Resources Panel in Support of Her Bill to Save Green Mountain Lookout and to Expand Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources today in support of her legislation to save the Green Mountain Lookout and another to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. DelBene introduced HR 908 and is an original cosponsor of HR 361.

HR 908 would protect the historic Green Mountain Lookout in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. HR 361 would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designate the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic. Her text, as prepared for delivery is below:

"Chairman Bishop, Ranking Member Grijalva and Members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for allowing me to testify this morning and for calling this hearing.

"I am pleased to appear before the Subcommittee in support of H.R. 908, the Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act.

"I would also like to recognize Scott Morris from the Darrington Historical Society for joining us all the way from Washington state on short notice to testify today. His testimony will highlight the history of the lookout and what it means to the community. He will also be sharing some breathtaking photographs of and from the lookout that you truly have to see to believe.

"In 1933, the Green Mountain Lookout was constructed as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, and was used to detect fires and spot enemy aircraft during World War II. In 1988, Green Mountain was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"In late 2001 and early 2002, winter weather caused the collapse of the Lookout's base, which was not adequately engineered to withstand the heavy snowfall. Starting in 2002, the Forest Service along with several agencies began modifications to ensure the lookout's long term stability. The Forest Service was then sued by an out-of-state group alleging that proper National Environmental Policy Act protocols were not followed. A U.S. District Court judge subsequently ordered the removal of the lookout from its current location. The Forest Service will move forward with the removal if we do not act right away.

"Along with Senators Murray, Cantwell, and Congressman Larsen, I introduced this legislation to allow the regular maintenance of the lookout, and to prohibit the Forest Service from moving the lookout unless it is necessary for preservation or to ensure the safety of individuals nearby.

"The lookout is an important, historic, and unique part of the Pacific Northwest and is a popular destination for hikers in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Local government and advocacy groups, my constituents, as well as non-governmental organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, the Wilderness Society, the Back Country Horsemen of America, the Mountaineers, Forterra, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, stand strongly behind this bill to keep Green Mountain in its rightful home.

"Additionally, as a result of the unfortunate lawsuit and ruling there is a significant financial burden being put on taxpayers that is very concerning. With an estimated cost of over $100,000, moving the lookout is a poor use of very limited public funds. As this Committee knows well, we are dealing with challenging budget constraints government-wide right now, and the Forest Service is no exception. Moving the lookout would place an unnecessary financial burden on the Forest Service during tough fiscal times. Surely, there are more critical needs to the agency's central mission than moving Green Mountain Lookout from where it has been since 1933.

"While we were successful earlier this year in delaying by one month the process to move the lookout, it will take an act of Congress to stop it. The need for immediate action is great, because if the lookout is moved once, there's no moving it back.

"Congress has the opportunity to save an iconic landmark while saving taxpayers money by passing the Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act. I urge this Committee to move quickly to pass this bill.

"I am also pleased to join my colleague, Congressman Reichert, to testify in support of H.R. 361, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act. Congressman Reichert has long sought to protect these lands and rivers, which are now located almost entirely in my district. I was proud to add my name as an original cosponsor to this important legislation.

"Our collaboration on this bill continues a long tradition of bipartisan support for the responsible stewardship of Washington's public lands. This tradition began with Senators Scoop Jackson and Warren Magnuson followed by Senators Dan Evans and Slade Gorton and continues today. Most recently, former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn joined with Rick Larsen in protecting Washington's newest wilderness, Wild Sky. I am pleased that her son, Reagan, is here to carry on with her support for public lands.

"The Alpine Lakes Wilderness, just 45 minutes from downtown Seattle, is one of the most popular wilderness areas in our entire system. Countless local residents and visitors to Washington come to the Alpine Lakes to hike, camp, hunt, fish and enjoy some of the most spectacular open spaces that Washington has to offer. Outdoor recreation is a crucial part of the economy in Washington, generating $22.5 billion in consumer spending each year and is responsible for 227,000 jobs. This legislation will complement the existing wilderness by adding key low elevation growth and mature forests to the wilderness and will offer local Washingtonians more opportunities to enjoy our public lands.

"Similarly, the protection of the Pratt River, located entirely within the wilderness, and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie will provide users with ample opportunities for fishing, whitewater rafting, and other recreational activities.

"It is important to know that this bill would not include any private land within the proposed wilderness boundaries or close any mountain bike trails. In addition, the bill would not close any forest system road, affect current access to any Forest Service trail, or impact timber sales.

"As I've travelled throughout my district, there has been overwhelming support for this bill. Local elected officials, businesses, hunter and angler groups, recreational groups, like the local mountain bike community, conservation organizations, and religious leaders have all endorsed this bill. Finally, Congressman Reichert and Senator Murray deserve praise for the time and effort that they have invested in this legislation.

"I encourage the Committee to take prompt action to move both H.R. 908 and H.R. 361. Thank you again for your time this morning, I yield back."

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