Jay Inslee is winning the fight to protect pristine Cascadia Marine Trail

Updated 10/27/2009. The Cascadia Marine Trail ranges from Olympia, Washington to southern Canada. It meanders along rivers, waterfalls, meadows, and provides breath taking views of nature and wildlife. This trail is part of our natural resources heritage and should be protected.

Washington D.C. The House passed the Cascadia Marine Trail Study Act. H.R. 1641, authored by U.S. Rep Jay Inslee (D-Wash), instructs the Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar to study the inclusion of the Cascadia Marine Trail in the National Trails System and present those findings to Congress. The trail has already received national recognition, first as a National Recreation Trail in 1994 and as a National Millennium Trail in 1999.

“The waters over which the Trail runs are an important part of the history, culture, and commerce of our region,” said Rep. Inslee. “I have had the pleasure of kayaking along parts of the Trail on many occasions, enjoying the breathtaking views and wildlife. I realize there remains a great deal of work ahead of us to make this a reality. I am eager to continue our partnership with the dedicated citizens at the grassroots level who have been the driving force on recognizing the Cascadia Marine Trail as a national treasure.”

The Cascadia Trail stretches from Olympia to the Canadian border, encompasses 2300 miles of shoreline, and runs entirely over public waters. It currently includes 55 safe pull-outs and camping areas on public lands for use by non-motorized, beachable watercraft. Through citizen action, partnerships with state and local governments, as well as non-profits, the Trail has grown in popularity, as evidenced by the thousands of people who use it each year. .

***Source: press release from Jay Inslee's office. No copyright restrictions

Contact information:

Robert Kellar

Communications Director

Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-01 )Washington, D.C (202) 225-6311 – Shoreline (206) 361-0233 – Poulsbo(360) 598-2342

Robert.Kellar@mail.house.gov

Office 202-226-7040

Cell 202-225-0434