U.S. Representative Jim McDermott co-sponsors legislation to protect Mountains to Sound Greenway

U.S. Representative Jim McDermott joined as co-sponsor to legislation introduced by Reps. Dave Reichert and Adam Smith to designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area.

“The Mountains to Sound Greenway is a state and national treasure with rich natural and cultural resources. Its conservation should be a top priority. Washingtonians understand the value of preserving this unique landscape, and I am pleased to work towards establishing the Pacific Northwest’s first National Heritage Area,” says Congressman McDermott.

A National Heritage Area is a large, lived-in area designated by the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a landscape of national distinction. This designation provides a flexible framework to encourage residents, government agencies, nonprofit groups and private partners to collaboratively work together and implement projects to conserve a landscape, without affecting private property rights.

“Mountains visible from your downtown office. Trails you can get to from your home. A place for teenagers to explore the woods. A place where busy people can take two hours on a weekday afternoon for a hike. We enjoy nature on our doorstep in the Mountains to Sound Greenway, which is why we are asking Congress to officially recognize this special place as a National Heritage Area,” says Bill Chapman, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust President. “We are thrilled to have Congressman McDermott co-sponsoring this important bipartisan legislation.”