Illabot Creek Wild and Scenic bill reintroduced

Earlier today Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2) and Senator Patty Murray (WA) reintroduced legislation to designate Illabot Creek as a Wild and Scenic River. The legislation will protect the free-flowing character of Illabot Creek, an important habitat for threatened wild Chinook salmon, steelhead, bull trout and other wildlife, while maintaining recreational opportunities to explore this remote river gorge. Larsen and Murray's legislation has broad local support from elected officials, environmentalists, fishermen, agriculture, and other stakeholders.

"Illabot Creek is a critical habitat and an important part of Washington state’s environmental heritage," said Rep. Rick Larsen. "Designating Illabot Creek as a Wild and Scenic River will help protect endangered salmon, eagles and other wildlife and ensure that folks from Skagit County and visitors to the region are able to continue hunting, fishing and enjoying the many recreational opportunities that the creek offers for generations to come."

The Skagit River watershed supports one of the largest concentrations of wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 states and is a popular attraction for paddlers. Because of the abundance of salmon and the high quality of habitat, Illabot Creek is the center of foraging activity and supports two communal night roosts. One roost area is within the existing Skagit Wild and Scenic River corridor. The second is within the proposed Illabot Creek Wild and Scenic River designation.

"For the regional paddling community, Illabot Creek is a highlight of winter float trips on the Skagit River that provide a family-oriented wildlife-viewing experience," said Thomas O'Keefe American Whitewater's Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director. "Interest in this activity has increased significantly in recent years and as it continues to grow, protecting Illabot Creek is critical to maintaining the quality of this experience that draws paddlers from across the region and around the country."