Mt. Si and Little Si in King county offer unique scenic, natural, and geological features which can be viewed from the I-90 highway. They also afford outstanding recreational opportunities enjoyed by the citizens of this state and tourists alike. The legislature recognizes the importance of guarding portions of this area from those types of development which would permanently alter the area's natural form and beauty. It further recognizes the necessity of setting forth procedures to manage the area, to enhance the opportunities afforded the state's citizens, one-half of whom live within one-half hour driving time of Mt. Si, and to safeguard to the extent possible the scenic, natural, geological, game habitat, and recreational values therein, and to safeguard and promote the upper Snoqualmie River valley's economy in which the recreational use of Mt. Si plays a pivotal role. Therefore, the legislature declares this area to be of statewide significance for the foregoing purposes to be enhanced and safeguarded in accordance with the procedures set forth in chapter 306, Laws of 1977 ex. sess.