Recently the state Republican Party announced that they are losing voters because of the perception that the GOP is out of touch with the middle, that they are too negative. Well, this isn’t the case, nor does it have to continue to be perceived that way, especially on the environment.

Republicans all the way back to Theodore Roosevelt have been leaders in wilderness conservation, working to protect America’s vanishing natural heritage, the wild lands and wildlife that embody the spirit of rugged individualism that makes this country great. This is the same kind of rugged individualism that defines us as Republicans.

There is a local effort under way to add Washington’s Skykomish Wild Country to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Wilderness Act was created with the help of visionary Republicans who saw the wisdom in protecting America’s natural treasures for future generation to enjoy. America’s wilderness is a legacy we pass on to our children to give them a glimpse of what our country looked like when the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence over 200 years ago.

I hope our Republican Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn will continue the GOP legacy of wilderness conservation and support wilderness designation of Washington’s Skykomish Wild County. It’s an opportunity to protect a real jewel of our state’s scenic treasures, and an opportunity to show voters the positive things that the GOP stands for.

Dave Christopherson

North Bend