119-S-1737 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — S. 1737: Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (119th Congress)

A plan to permanently protect parts of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula by expanding wilderness in Olympic National Forest and naming 19 rivers as Wild & Scenic. [1]Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition — Leading Active Campaigns — Wild Olympics Wil…

Headline Summary: Protect more of the Olympic Peninsula’s forests and rivers by creating new wilderness areas and safeguarding free‑flowing rivers from dams or major alteration. [1]Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition — Leading Active Campaigns — Wild Olympics Wil…

What It Does: The bill designates about 126,000 acres of federal land on the Peninsula as wilderness—managed for habitat, clean water, and quiet recreation—and adds 19 rivers and their tributaries (about 464 miles) to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. It directs federal agencies to fold these designations into their management plans. [1]Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition — Leading Active Campaigns — Wild Olympics Wil…[3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — All Information for S.1737 (119th Congress)

• Sen. Patty Murray (D‑WA), the sponsor, says the measure preserves iconic landscapes, salmon habitat, and outdoor recreation while reflecting local input. [4]Wild Olympics Campaign — Sen. Murray & Rep. Randall reintroduce Wild Olympics b…
• Conservation and recreation groups (e.g., the Wild Olympics Campaign and Wild & Scenic Rivers advocates) support the bill, citing clean drinking water, fish recovery, and outdoor‑economy benefits; the campaign lists 800+ local endorsements, including several Tribes and local officials. [5]Wild Olympics Campaign — Wild Olympics Campaign — Current Endorsements[4]Wild Olympics Campaign — Sen. Murray & Rep. Randall reintroduce Wild Olympics b…[1]Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition — Leading Active Campaigns — Wild Olympics Wil…

• Timber industry groups such as the American Forest Resource Council oppose it, arguing additional wilderness reduces active forest management and could hurt rural economies and some types of access. [6]American Forest Resource Council — Wild Olympics Fails to Protect Working Fores…

Why It Matters: For residents and visitors, it aims to keep rivers free‑flowing, bolster salmon and steelhead habitat, and protect popular hiking, fishing, and boating areas—benefits supporters say also help tourism‑driven local economies. [1]Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition — Leading Active Campaigns — Wild Olympics Wil…

What’s Next: The bill was heard by the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining on December 2, 2025, and remains in committee; next steps would be a committee markup and potential Senate floor consideration. [2]U.S. Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee — Public Lands, Forests, and M…[3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — All Information for S.1737 (119th Congress)