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Protecting Olympic National Forest Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers in Washington State

This law permanently protects over 126,000 acres of forest land and expands wilderness areas within the Olympic National Forest in Washington State. Additionally, numerous rivers in the region are designated as "wild and scenic," ensuring protection against dams and resource extraction. This action preserves these natural areas for recreation, supports local ecosystems, and helps maintain clean water sources for the public.
Key points
Over 126,000 acres of Olympic National Forest land are designated as protected Wilderness, strictly limiting development and motorized vehicle use.
Specific segments of major rivers (including Elwha, Dungeness, and Hoh) are designated as Wild and Scenic, prohibiting new dams, mining, and mineral leasing on adjacent federal lands.
The law explicitly confirms that it does not affect existing water rights or the reserved treaty rights of local Indian Tribes for hunting and fishing.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1254
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Process start date: 2023-04-20