Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

This bill would protect approximately 126,554 acres of federal land in the Olympic National Forest in Washington State by designating it as wilderness. The protected areas would include several new wilderness zones such as Lost Creek Wilderness, Rugged Ridge Wilderness, and expansions to existing wilderness areas. These designations would permanently protect old growth and ancient forest habitat throughout the region.

The bill would also designate 464 miles across 19 rivers and major tributaries on the Olympic Peninsula as wild and scenic rivers. These rivers would be classified as wild, scenic, or recreational depending on their characteristics. The river designations would provide federal recognition and protection for these waterways as sources of clean drinking water and critical salmon and steelhead habitat. The bill includes provisions ensuring these designations do not restrict private property rights, do not create buffer zones, and allow for management activities like fire control and pest management.

The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Natural Resources and would require presidential approval to become law.