Organizations Back Expansion of the Morning Star Natural Resource Conservation Area

Today 17 organizations signed onto a comment letter coordinated by Washington Wild supporting the expansion of the Morning Star Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) by nearly 3,000 acres. The Morning Star is the only NRCA located within Snohomish County and lies adjacent to the recently designated Wild Sky Wilderness. This expansion would effectively extend the area protected through the Wild Sky Wilderness Act (2008) and make an important contribution to completing the wildlife corridors that exist in this area, as well as watershed protection.

Photo Courtesy of WA DNR

The Morning Star NRCA is home to numerous low-impact recreation opportunities such as trails to Ashland Lakes, Greider Lakes, Twin Falls Lakes, and Cutthroat Lakes. In addition to preserving recreation opportunities in the area, its 36,037 acres provide meaning full habitat and wildlife corridors to adjacent protected federal Wilderness .

The DNR Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) program provides significant opportunities for public benefits by providing numerous ecosystem services and recreational opportunities for Washington residents and the general public. Additionally, NRCAs can provide important economic benefits to local communities through direct and indirect spending associated with recreation, overnight stays, dining and purchasing of other amenities.

Read the joint comment letter.