Two lawmakers from Washington have revived a bill that would protect old growth forests and pristine river systems across more than 100,000 acres of federally owned land on the Olympic Peninsula.

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-District 6) re-introduced the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act on Wednesday. Murray and Kilmer said the bill would protect environmentally sensitive parts of the Olympic Peninsula, support outdoor recreation opportunities, and preserve and grow jobs on the Olympic Peninsula.

“It is critical that we keep fighting to ensure these pristine areas of the Olympic Peninsula are preserved for generations to come,” Murray said.

“As someone who enjoys hiking and fishing in Washington state, I am thrilled to work with Congressman Kilmer and the local community to keep up the momentum and preserve some of Washington state’s most prized wild spaces,” she added.

Kilmer, a Gig Harbor Democrat, said the bill would help both the environment and the economy.

“As someone who grew up in Port Angeles, I’ve always said that we don’t have to choose between economic growth and environmental protection,” Kilmer said.

“I’m proud to continue fighting for a bill that is part of a practical, balanced strategy to protect our natural beauty while attracting businesses to stay, grow, and invest in our future,” Kilmer said. “I’m grateful for the partnership of Senator Murray and folks throughout our region who helped develop this proposal.”

The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would designate 126,554 acres of existing federal land as “wilderness” in the Olympic National Forest and designate 464 river miles across 19 rivers and major tributaries on the Olympic Peninsula as “Wild and Scenic Rivers.”

The wilderness designation permanently protects old growth and ancient forest habitat throughout the region, officials said, and noted the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation would add federal recognition to the outstanding river systems on the Olympic Peninsula, protecting them as a source of clean drinking water and helping to keep Puget Sound clean for generations to come.

Officials also noted the designation does not restrict private property rights, and Murray and Kilmer have spent much time engaging with community members and local business leaders on the Olympic Peninsula to make sure the proposed legislation works for the community.