WHEREAS, The Methow Valley in the 12th legislative district serves as a hub of outdoor recreation for all of Washington state. It is home to the nation's largest Nordic ski trail system and serves as a gateway to the North Cascades National Park and many vast wilderness areas, including the Pasayten Wilderness and the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness; and

WHEREAS, The rivers and lakes that make up the Methow watershed of the Methow Valley sustain its life, play a critical role in the Upper Columbia Salmon recovery, and support a rich diversity of wildlife, including seven federally protected fish and wildlife species; and

WHEREAS, Nearly one million visitors per year come to the Methow Valley to enjoy the sun, snow, and rural environment, and contribute more than $150 million annually to Okanogan County's economy; and

WHEREAS, A coalition of local Methow Valley businesses, area residents, civic leaders, and local organizations who were concerned about the threat an industrial-scale copper mine presented to the region's economy, waters, and rural character came together to form the Methow Headwaters Campaign. This coalition focused on broad community support to ensure the upper headwaters of the Methow River were permanently protected from mining; and

WHEREAS, Since 2014, the Methow Headwaters Campaign has worked tirelessly to protect Flagg Mountain on U.S. Forest Service Land from exploratory drilling attempts; and

WHEREAS, The Methow Headwaters Campaign was successful in their efforts, when S.47, The John D Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act officially became law on March 12th when the President signed a historic legislative package that approved more than 100 public land, natural resource, and water bills, including the permanent withdrawal of 340,079 acres in the Methow Headwaters from new mineral exploration and mine development; and

WHEREAS, Protecting this land in the Methow Headwaters will allow it to be enjoyed by all Washington State citizens and visitors, as well as maintain the health and purity of the Methow Valley watershed for years to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the accomplishments of the members of the Methow Headwaters Campaign and the efforts of every citizen in the Methow Valley and beyond who worked to protect the Methow Headwaters through the passage of the federal legislation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the copies of this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the leadership team of the Methow Headwaters Campaign.