Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — The House Natural Resources Committee has approved legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to designate Illabot Creek in Skagit County as a Wild and Scenic River.  The Committee approved the legislation (H.R. 1593) unanimously on a voice vote yesterday. 

“I visited Illabot Creek last month and saw first-hand how important it is to protect this habitat for endangered fish and wildlife.  Yesterday’s mark-up brings us one step closer to permanently protecting Illabot Creek from development and maintaining recreational opportunities such as hunting and fishing,” said Larsen. “I thank my partner on this legislation, Senator Murray, for her continued work to move this bill through the Senate.”

Murray and Larsen’s legislation, which has the support of local stakeholders including elected officials, conservationists, fishermen, and farmers, prohibits dams and other water projects that impair the free-flowing nature of Illabot Creek. Illabot is vital spawning habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species, including bull trout and Chinook salmon.

“Preserving Illabot Creek is vitally important to the many fish and wildlife that depend on it to survive, and this piece of legislation will ensure that this incredible area is protected for hunters, fishermen, and families to enjoy,” said Senator Patty Murray.  “Yesterday’s action in the House is an important step toward protecting the pristine habitat of Illabot Creek for future generations. I thank Congressman Larsen for his strong work on this issue in the House, and I look forward to working with him as we continue to move this bill forward.”

Having been approved by the House Natural Resources Committee, this legislation will next be considered by the full House of Representatives.

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