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Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

6/27/2024, 4:06 PM

Summary of Bill S 1254

Bill 118 s 1254, also known as the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to designate certain areas in the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park in the state of Washington as wilderness areas and wild and scenic rivers.

The bill seeks to protect and preserve the natural beauty and ecological diversity of these areas by prohibiting certain activities such as logging, mining, and motorized vehicles. It also aims to enhance recreational opportunities for visitors by promoting activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

If passed, the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would designate over 126,000 acres of land as wilderness areas and over 460 miles of rivers as wild and scenic rivers. This designation would provide additional protections for these areas and ensure that they remain pristine for future generations to enjoy. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect these areas from development and exploitation, while opponents may argue that the restrictions imposed by the bill could limit economic opportunities in the region. Ultimately, the fate of the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act will be decided by Congress and the public.

Congressional Summary of S 1254

Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

This bill designates (1) certain federal land in the Olympic National Forest in the state of Washington as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System; and (2) certain other land, identified on the same map as such proposed areas, as potential wilderness.

The bill designates as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers specified segments of the following rivers in the state of Washington

  • Elwha River,
  • Dungeness River,
  • Big Quilcene River,
  • Dosewallips River,
  • Duckabush River,
  • Hamma Hamma River,
  • South Fork Skokomish River,
  • Middle Fork Satsop River,
  • West Fork Satsop River,
  • Wynoochee River,
  • East Fork Humptulips River,
  • West Fork Humptulips River,
  • Quinault River,
  • Queets River,
  • Hoh River,
  • Bogachiel River,
  • South Fork Calawah River,
  • Sol Duc River, and
  • Lyre River.

The Department of Agriculture may take necessary measures to control fire, insects, and diseases in the wilderness areas designated by this bill.

Current Status of Bill S 1254

Bill S 1254 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 20, 2023. Bill S 1254 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on April 20, 2023.  Bill S 1254's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 421. as of June 18, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1254

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1254

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Potential Impact Areas

- Forests, forestry, trees
- Lakes and rivers
- Washington State
- Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1254

Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
A bill to designate and expand wilderness areas in Olympic National Forest in the State of Washington, and to designate certain rivers in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park as wild and scenic rivers, and for other purposes.
Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

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