Wild Olympics bill stalls in Congress

ABERDEEN — The Wild Olympics bill remains stalled in Congress, and with lawmakers out through the election, some opponents are celebrating.

But, KBKW reported, Sen. Patty Murray’s office says the bill has not been killed and is still under consideration.

If the campaign continues next year it will be without Rep. Norm Dicks, the sponsor of the House bill, who is retiring.

Murray and Dicks introduced legislation to designate nearly 200 square miles of new wilderness in Washington’s Olympic National Forest. The bill also would put 19 rivers under wild and scenic river protections.

Opponents said the bill would restrict logging and limit recreation. The Aberdeen and Cosmopolis city councils as well as Grays Harbor County commissioners have passed resolutions opposing the Wild Olympics campaign.