The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives last week, bringing closer the protection of an additional 22,000 acres of wilderness adjoining the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.

The Act would add 10 miles of the Pratt River and nearly 30 miles of the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the National Wild and Scenic River System.

Washington wilderness supporters thanked Representative Dave Reichert for his advocacy in protecting the free-flowing rivers of the North Cascades. The protection of these valuable rivers would also safeguard high water quality for downstream residents and preserve critical wildlife and fish habitat.