They emailed me this today...



"The Olympic Peninsula and the Wild Olympics received some fantastic news yesterday!

Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Norm Dicks announced a draft proposal that would protect new Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers and National Preserve designations. They also announced they would hold four public meetings to get feedback on their draft proposal in early December.

In their announcement both the Senator and Congressman expressed their commitment to protecting wild forests and rivers on the Olympic Peninsula:

Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA03)
"I am pleased to work with Senator Murray in developing a consensus plan to provide additional wilderness protection on the Olympic Peninsula. Future generations will benefit from the increased protection of the watersheds and forests that make the Peninsula such a magnificent place."

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
"Washington residents take great pride in protecting our state's tremendous natural beauty. I will continue to work with the community as we work to preserve our state's special places while promoting our long-term economic growth and prosperity."

While the draft congressional proposal does not include everything the Wild Olympics Campaign had advocated for over the past two years, it would provide permanent protection for the Peninsula's most priceless natural treasures; our towering ancient forests, free-flowing rivers, critical fish and wildlife habitat and our clean water. The Campaign views Congressman Dicks' and Senator Murray's draft plan as an historic milestone in Peninsula conservation. This a wonderful down payment on the Peninsula's economic future, and a gift for generations to come.

Thanks you for your past support for the Wild Olympics Campaign, we could not have gotten this far with you. This is a very exciting time, and we will need lots of help from you over the next several weeks, so please stay tuned for updates and calls to action on e-mail and through our web site at www.wildolympics.org."

Pretty cool!