Help Protect the White Salmon River (WA)

This year, the Forest Service has an opportunity to acquire the Wild and Scenic White Salmon Hopper property along the White Salmon Wild and Scenic River. An appropriation of $280,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through the FY 2007 Interior Appropriations bill is needed to preserve this land. This parcel is located along the BZ Section of the White Salmon just downstream of Husum Falls and its preservation will protect the scenic qualities of this river corridor which is one of the region’s most popular whitewater rivers. The Trust for Public Land is providing the leadership in this effort necessary to bring this key parcel into public ownership (see past article on BZ Access), but your voice is required to make it happen

YOUR MESSAGE IS KEY TO SECURING CRITICAL FUNDING IN FY 2007!

Available for acquisition in FY 2007 is the White Salmon/Hopper property, located near the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Flowing southward for approximately 45 miles from its origins in the alpine forests on the slopes of Mt. Adams to the transitional oak and pine woodlands by the Columbia River, the White Salmon is one of only three Wild and Scenic Rivers in the state of Washington. From early times Native Americans lived and fished along the river in a valley marked by its lush vegetation, steep canyon walls, and swift rushing streams. When settlers found the river, the stock of spawning fish provided it with a lasting name. In addition to fisheries, the riparian corridor of the White Salmon supports habitat for bald eagles, black bears, ospreys, and many other wildlife species. Congress nationally recognized the corridor for its scenic and wild character in 1986. Beyond the biological and cultural significance of the river, the corridor is a critical recreational resource for many visitors. It is one of the premier kayaking and whitewater rafting rivers in the Northwest, attracting visitors and whitewater enthusiasts every summer and fall. The 4.5 acres of the White Salmon/Hopper property are just downstream from Husum Falls and BZ Corner near state Route 141 and is adjacent to a new river access site proposed by the Forest Service. Protection of this property through a $280,000 Forest Service appropriation through LWCF will provide public access, buffer other public conservation land (Goal 3 of the USDA Forest Service Strategic Plan) and ensure continued integrity of the Wild and Scenic River corridor.

PLEASE ACT NOW!

Congress will soon be considering its spending priorities for the Forest Service for FY 2007. Contact your legislators and encourage their support for an appropriation of $280,000 for the Wild and Scenic White Salmon Hopper property funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the FY 2007 Interior Appropriations bill.
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PLEASE CONTACT:
(NOTE: There is a significant delay in the delivery of letters to Members of Congress due to security concerns. Instead, we strongly encourage you to fax, call, or electronically contact your Member of Congress in order to ensure prompt receipt. For online contact, please go to the congressional websites listed below and follow instructions for constituent contact.)

The Honorable Patty Murray
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202 224-2621
Fax: 202 224-0238
Web Contact Form

The Honorable Brian Baird
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: 202 225-3536
Fax: 202 225-3478
Web Contact Form

The Honorable Maria Cantwell
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202 224-3441
Fax: 202 228-0514
Web Contact Form

Please draft your own comments (individual comments describing your relationship to the river and interest in this acquisition are most effective). We provide a template below with some topics you might consider:

DRAFT COMMENTS:

I am writing to express my support for conserving a critical riparian property along the White Salmon River in Klickitat County. In order to complete the acquisition of the 4.5-acre Wild and Scenic White Salmon property, an appropriation of $280,000 for the US Forest Service from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the FY 2007 Interior Appropriations Bill is needed.

Congress has long recognized the scenic, ecological and recreational resources of the White Salmon River, in southern Washington. Located to the north of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the White Salmon River corridor was designated as a national Wild and Scenic River in 1986. Flowing southward for approximately 45 miles from its origins on Mt. Adams, the river is only one of three in the state to have such high national recognition. The riparian corridor is home to a variety of wildlife and fisheries habitats, including bald eagles, black bear, and osprey. Protection of riparian areas also helps to protect the high water quality of the river valley.

The White Salmon River also represents a critical recreational and scenic resource for its many visitors. The river is one of the Northwest’s premier kayaking and whitewater rafting streams, attracting whitewater enthusiasts from around the world. The parcel is adjacent to a new boat launch site proposed by the US Forest Service, and provides public access. The protection of this property would ensure continued and improved recreational opportunities and public access in this popular recreation area.

We respectfully urge you to support this acquisition with an appropriation of $280,000 for the Forest Service from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in FY 2007 for the White Salmon Wild and Scenic River. We thank you for your consideration of this project and thank you for all of the important work you have done in the past to protect Washington’s natural resources.

Please send a copy of your comments to Jina Sagar <jina.sagar@tpl.org> at the Trust for Public Land.