Last week legislation (H.R. 1593) to protect Illabot Creek as a Wild and Scenic River passed the House of Representatives.

“I thank my colleagues in the House for supporting the permanent protection of Illabot Creek,” said Larsen. “This Wild and Scenic designation will benefit not only endangered species such as Chinook salmon, but also families who hunt, fish and hike near this pristine creek. I thank Senator Murray for teaming up with me to protect this important habitat.”

Protection of Illabot Creek has been a high priority for AW given previous threats to develop this creek for hydropower. While the Skagit River system provides important hydropower resources for our region, the highest and best use of Illabot Creek is as a free-flowing tributary protected for it’s resource values. Organizations, resource agencies, and tribes have worked together to protect the mature riparian forest and aquatic habitat on this creek that is home to one of the largest concentrations of eagles in the lower 48 states. Permanent protection of the creek in its free-flowing condition as recommended by the Forest Service will protect the significant investment the community has  made in habitat protection and restoration.

The mouth of Illabot Creek where it joins the Skagit River is a highlight of winter float trips on the Skagit River that provide a family-oriented wildlife-viewing experience. 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. The remote gorge of Illabot Creek provides a unique opportunity for exploration and adventure that has been experienced by a handful of exploratory paddlers.

Having passed the House of Representatives, this legislation will now have to pass the Senate before being signed into law.  Senator Patty Murray has introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate (S. 635) and is working to ensure its passage.