Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Wild Sky protection

For Immediate Release: April 10, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Christine Gregoire today issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee vote to create the Wild Sky Wilderness Area:

�As an avid hiker and lover of the outdoors, I could not be more pleased by today�s news that we are one step closer to protecting over 100,000 acres of wilderness in Snohomish County. Senator Patty Murray and Representative Rick Larsen deserve much of the credit for championing this legislation since 2002.

�Their tireless efforts may lead to the first wilderness preservation action in Washington state in decades, and it�s my sincere hope that future generations will be able to experience this region as it exists today.

�The House passed the Wild Sky legislation last year. I am hopeful it can quickly take action reaffirming last year�s commitment so that Washingtonians may enjoy this special place.�