Our country and our community are blessed with a bounty of wild lands and wildlife. From the Olympic Penninsula, with its ancient stands of moss-covered trees, to rich groves of majestic Douglas fir and Western Red cedar carpeting the Cascades, Washingtonians have much about which to be thankful. The words of the Psalmist are evoked in such country: “I lift my eyes up to the mountains. From where does my help come? My help is from the Lord, maker of the heavens and the earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

With these glorious gifts of wild nature comes a responsibility, both moral and practical, to steward these life-giving lands and waters for future generations. One place in particular, the proposed Wild Sky Wilderness Area, is at a crossroads that is ecological, ethical and political, and is in need of thoughtful caretaking. It is our obligation to set aside political differences and ensure that a golden opportunity to permanently protect this special place is not missed. We must come together and get this job done this year.

Nestled in the northern end of the Cascade Range, and encompassing the north fork of the wild Skykomish River, for which it is named, the deep forests of the Wild Sky provide essential habitat for endangered and other sensitive species such as northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bald eagle, mountain goat and pileated woodpecker. Its rivers provide critical habitat for salmon and steelhead.

I recently joined more than 100 Washington faith community leaders in sending a letter to our elected officials urging them to protect the Wild Sky this year. We believe we have a sacred obligation to protect the marvelous world God has given us, including its life-giving waters and myriad plant and animal species. As the Scriptures tell us, the Earth is not ours, but God’s: “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1-2). We are tenants charged with creation’s watchful care, instructed to “keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15). The Wild Sky is our garden, and we are called to safeguard it.

Thousands of miles east of the Wild Sky, a debate is being waged in our nation’s capital over the fine details of a proposal to protect this superb forest. There has been some troubling talk of excluding the very heart of the Wild Sky from wilderness protection, the rich lower-elevation forests, encompassing the best wildlife habitat and some of the most majestic trees.

As we struggle with our daily challenges and hectic lives, more than ever we all need a place where we can seek solitude and refresh our souls. Many, myself included, find some of that peace while gazing at towering Alpine peaks, feeling soft moss and soil underfoot, smelling the fragrance of Douglas fir and cedar, and listening to the music of a crystal clear stream cascading over its rocky bed.

Let us not squander our opportunities to help creation to flourish. Jesus said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40).

Let us open our hearts to Jesus’ words. Let us protect God’s good creation with all our heart and soul, reaching across political divisions, and with all our strength, designating this marvelous garden as wilderness. Let us love our neighbor by safeguarding wild places for solitude, recreation and inspiration, now and forever. Now is the time and Congress needs to take advantage of all the support for wilderness and protect the Wild Sky this year.

The Rev. John Boonstra is executive minister of the Washington Association of Churches.