WHEREAS, The Columbia River is one of Washington's most important resources; and
     WHEREAS, The Columbia River has long provided a transportation link among Eastern Washington communities; and
     WHEREAS, David Thompson navigated and mapped all 1,200 miles of the Columbia River from its source in British Columbia to its mouth in Astoria, Oregon, ending his journey on July 15, 1811; and
     WHEREAS, 2011 is the bicentennial of this momentous historical event; and
     WHEREAS, In June and July 2011, an international brigade of 200 paddlers in 10-person voyageur canoes plus a large support crew will be following Thompson's route, stopping at communities all along the way;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington honor the incredible achievement accomplished by David Thompson in 1811 and commend the participants in the 2011 David Thompson Columbia River Brigade who are recreating his historic accomplishment while stopping at various communities as they make their way along the Columbia River.