Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

S. 1737 would protect public lands and rivers on Washington's Olympic Peninsula by designating approximately 126,554 acres in the Olympic National Forest as wilderness areas and designating 19 rivers and their tributaries—totaling about 464 river miles—as wild and scenic rivers. If enacted, this would mark the first new wilderness designations on Olympic National Forest in three decades and the first wild and scenic river designations in that area. The bill would restrict certain commercial activities like timber harvesting and mining on these protected lands while allowing for restoration projects and maintaining existing water rights. The designated rivers provide critical habitat for salmon, steelhead, and other fish species, and the protected forests support outdoor recreation and clean water sources for local communities. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.