Tragedy spurs passage of Green Mountain Lookout legislation

Sometimes it takes a calamity to move anything through Congress.

In the case of the Green Mountain Lookout, it took a tragedy for federal lawmakers to keep an iconic structure exactly where it is.

A bill sent to President Barack Obama this week will preserve the lookout that’s long been a destination for hikers and a cherished landmark for Darrington residents.

This legislation will reach the president stunningly fast, by congressional standards, thanks to an all-too-rare exhibition of the personal overcoming the political in Washington, D.C.

On March 28, the sixth day after a monstrous mudslide erased an Oso neighborhood and claimed nearly three dozen lives, Darrington Mayor Dan Rankin told members of Washington’s congressional delegation that protecting the lookout would uplift the community’s spirits.

The Senate responded April 3 by passing the preservation measure. The House approved it Monday and there was not a dissenting voice in either chamber.

“I think that tells you how much everybody wants to do something,” said Sen. Patty Murray, adding Obama shouldn’t wait to act on it until visiting later this month.

“I want him to sign this and get it done,” she said. “This is a community that needs to stand up and cheer.”

Though success came remarkably quick, Congressman Rick Larsen poured the foundation in June 2012 by introducing the first Green Mountain Lookout Historic Preservation Act.

In 2013, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene re-introduced it and Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell, co-sponsored an identical bill in the Senate.

Those gathered dust until earlier this year when the Republican majority in the House passed an omnibus public lands measure containing a provision for Green Mountain Lookout.

Democrats said it contained too many unsavory provisions and several, including DelBene and Larsen, voted against it. When it arrived in the Senate where Democrats run things, the bill got permanently parked.

Then, on March 22, the bluff in Oso disappeared, and Rankin made his request March 28. Murray recalled looking at DelBene and saying: Let’s get it done.

The next day Murray phoned Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. She wanted to gauge his willingness to advance a stand-alone bill she hoped to get through the Senate.

“I said it was something we could do to show (residents) we can get this done. To his credit, he said let’s get it done,” she said.

During the next three days, Murray corralled the backing of Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who are the chairwoman and vice-chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Either could have resisted going so fast or sought to attach other pieces of legislation to it. They didn’t. During the talks, Murray learned Murkowski has ties to Darrington as relatives on her mother’s side lived there a long time ago.

The Senate Majority Leader didn’t stand in the way either, and on Thursday the bill sailed through.

Then Hastings, true to his word, shepherded it through the House.

Before the vote, Larsen said passage would symbolize Congress’ solidarity with the community and send a message that Darrington is open for business.

DelBene said congressional action carried an impact beyond saving a landmark.

“This bill can’t undo what has been done. But, as the mayor of Darrington told me, it can be a piece of good news and a victory for an inspiring community that has gone through so much,” she said.

Rankin described himself as shaking with excitement when DelBene phoned immediately after the vote Monday.

“It was a pretty fantastic moment,” he said. “We got something that was really important for our community.”

Political reporter Jerry Cornfield’s blog, The Petri Dish, is at www.heraldnet.com. Contact him at 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

LifeWise local co-directors Darcie Hammer and Sarah Sweeny talk about what a typical classroom routine looks like on Monday, April 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett off-campus Bible program draws mixed reaction from parents

The weekly optional program, LifeWise Academy, takes children out of public school during the day for religious lessons.

Protesters line Broadway in Everett for Main Street USA rally

Thousands turn out to protest President Trump on Saturday in Everett, joining hundreds of other towns and cities.

An EcoRemedy employee checks a control panel of their equipment at the Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds launches technology to destroy PFAS

Edmonds is the first city in the country to implement… Continue reading

Over a dozen parents and some Snohomish School District students gather outside of the district office to protest and discuss safety concerns after an incident with a student at Machias Elementary School on Friday, April 18, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Parents protest handling of alleged weapon incident at Machias Elementary

Families say district failed to communicate clearly; some have kept kids home for weeks.

Irene Pfister, left, holds a sign reading “Justice for Jonathan” next to another protester with a sign that says “Major Crimes Needs to Investigate,” during a call to action Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Arlington. (Aspen Anderson / The Herald)
Arlington community rallies, a family waits for news on missing man

Family and neighbors say more can be done in the search for Jonathan Hoang. The sheriff’s office says all leads are being pursued.

Mary Ann Karber, 101, spins the wheel during Wheel of Forunte at Washington Oakes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lunch and Wheel of Fortune with some Everett swinging seniors

She’s 101 and he’s 76. At Washington Oakes, fun and friendship are on the menu.

Connect Casino Road Director Alvaro Gullien speaks at an Everett City Council meeting to share community thoughts regarding affordable housing and preventing displacement of those that live along Casino Road on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How will Everett’s comprehensive plan work in Casino Road?

Residents in the diverse, tight-knit neighborhood want “Investment without displacement.” The city’s plan will help achieve that, staff say.

Henry M. Jackson High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition championship robotics Team 2910 Jack in the Bot on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mill Creek robotics team celebrates world championship win

The team — known as “Jack in the Bot” — came in first place above about 600 others at a Texas world championship event last week.

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Washington Legislature approves hiking Discover Pass price to $45

The price for a Washington state Discover Pass would rise by $15… Continue reading

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Parental rights overhaul gains final approval in WA Legislature

The bill was among the most controversial of this year’s session.

Snohomish firefighters appeal vaccine suspensions to Ninth Circuit

Despite lower court’s decision, eight men maintain their department did not properly accommodate their religious beliefs during COVID.

A rental sign seen in Everett. Saturday, May 23, 2020 (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Compromise reached on Washington bill to cap rent increases

Under a version released Thursday, rent hikes would be limited to 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.