Press Releases

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed appropriations legislation that includes $6 million secured by Representative Rick Larsen for the National Parks Service to purchase Mitchell Hill, over 300 acres of forestland near San Juan Island National Historical Park.  This funding was included in the conference report of the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which is expected to pass the Senate and head to the President’s desk early next week.

“Protecting the historical and natural values of Mitchell Hill has been a priority for me for the last several years.  Mitchell Hill is both a great place to go hiking and the home of an important part of San Juan Island history,” said Larsen. “Funding for Mitchell Hill will enhance recreational and educational opportunities for the over 250,000 visitors who visit San Juan Island National Historical Park each year.”

The funding secured by Larsen will be used by the National Parks Service to acquire over 300 acres of land currently being managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  Selling Mitchell Hill to the National Parks Service has earned widespread support in the local community, including the endorsement of the National Parks Service, San Juan County, DNR and the San Juan Island Trails Committee.

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