The legislation, which will preserve more than 106,000 acres of wilderness in Snohomish County in the front range of the Cascade Mountains, was approved by the House Tuesday 291-117. The measure now goes to President George Bush, who is expected to sign it into law, said U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.
"We've reached the end of a long hike. There have been many twists and turns along the way, and let me tell you -- it's a beautiful view from here," said Larsen.
The bill was led through the Senate by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
The lawmakers said Wild Sky protects thousands of acres of low-elevation old growth and 25 miles of salmon streams to make the land accessible for recreational use.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International
