Preserving an Historic Lookout in Washington State (S. 404)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is S. 404?
(Updated January 5, 2018)
This bill was enacted on April 15, 2014
Prevents the Forest Service from removing a lookout building from the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area in Washington State unless the agency determines that the structure is unsafe for visitors. In 2012, a federal court ordered the Forest Service to remove the lookout structure; this act would keep it where it is.
Argument in favor
Protects an iconic landmark and allows for continued visits to the lookout by current and future generations.
Argument opposed
Harms the Glacier Peak Wilderness and sets a dangerous precedent for the entire National Wilderness Preservation System.
Impact
Impacts public lands and tourist dollars in and around the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area.
Cost of S. 404
Based on information provided by the Forest Service, CBO estimates that implementing the legislation would have no significant net impact on the federal budget.
Additional Info
Of Note:
-House companion bill is HR 908.
-Built in 1933, the Green Mountain Lookout served as an early warning station to detect enemy aircraft during World War II. Today it is one of only 16 remaining fire lookouts originally managed by the USFS in Northwest Washington.
-So-called "extreme green" groups like Montana-based Wilderness Watch oppose preservation of the structure, stating that it degrades wilderness areas.
The Latest
-
SCOTUS Hears Trump Immunity Case, Appearing SkepticalUpdated Apr. 26, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today over whether Trump is immune from prosecution read more... States
-
IT: 🖋️ Biden signs a bill approving military aid and creating hurdles TikTok, and... Should the U.S. call for a ceasefire?Welcome to Thursday, April 25th, readers near and far... Biden signed a bill that approved aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, read more...
-
Biden Signs Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan Aid, and TikTok BillWhat’s the story? President Joe Biden signed a bill that approved aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which could lead to a ban read more... Taiwan
-
Protests Grow Nationwide as Students Demand Divestment From IsraelUpdated Apr. 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST Protests are growing on college campuses across the country, inspired by the read more... Advocacy