I am writing in strong support of the recommendation of the U.S. Forest Service for a 20-year mineral withdrawal of 340,079 acres of Forest Service land in the Methow Headwaters of Washington State. Please move quickly to finalize and approve the 20-year withdrawal so that these lands are declared off-limits to new mining activities while Congress considers a permanent solution for protecting the Methow Valley's ecological and recreational resources.
While there is appreciation for Okanogan County's mining heritage and a recognition that mining may be appropriate elsewhere in the county, large-scale mining in the Methow Headwaters threatens to damage a successful local economy that is built on the area's rural character, clean water, spectacular natural lands and world-class recreational opportunities.
The area attracts more than one million visitors a year, contributing more than $150 million to the local economy and helping support 1,800 recreation-related jobs in the county. This includes outdoor enthusiasts who visit the Methow to experience exceptional hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, skiing, and climbing, among other active pursuits. Significant investment has been made in the valley that benefits the local economy, including more than $225 million in public funding for infrastructure supporting water, fish and recreation.
The Methow Headwaters provides vital habitat to fish and wildlife, including wild chinook salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat and bull trout. It is also home to a critical migration corridor for the state's largest mule deer population. The vibrant habitat and abundant wildlife attract hunters and anglers who contribute millions of dollars to the local economy.
Support for the 20-year withdrawal is overwhelming. This includes more than 150 businesses engaged in outdoor recreation, agriculture, hospitality, real estate, health, construction and more. Local town councils, the chamber of commerce, tribes, civic leaders local organizations and thousands of individuals also have endorsed the withdrawal. Political support is deep and bipartisan, including Rep. Dan Newhouse, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, current and former members of the Washington state legislature and numerous local elected officials.
To support the people and economy of the Methow Valley, for both current and future generations, I urge approval of the withdrawal by December 30, 2018, when the current two-year segregation period ends.