Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, has urged U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to support a presidential designation of a national monument in the San Juan Islands. Larsen has introduced legislation that would create a National Conservation Area in the islands.

In a letter to Salazar, June 11, Larsen endorses a dual-track approach to protection of the San Juan Islands through Congressional or Presidential action.

“BLM [The Bureau of Land Management] manages approximately 1,000 acres in these islands, which are important wildlife habitat and are critical for the natural beauty that brings thousands of tourists to the islands every year,” wrote Larsen. “I appreciate your recent visit to this area to talk with my constituents about ways to protect these areas and your willingness to listen to local stakeholders’ input on my legislation.”

Larsen asks Salazar to recommend to President Barack Obama that he use his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate these areas as a national monument.

“I understand that there are opportunities for such a designation that would meet many of the objectives of my legislation, such as improved public input into how these areas are managed,” wrote Larsen.