Environmentalists on Wednesday urged the federal government to expand Mount Rainier National Park to include an inland rainforest they fear could be developed.
"This land acquisition is critical habitat for threatened and endangered species and will protect over 3-miles along the Carbon River," Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga said in a statement released by Environment Washington. "We appreciate the public support of land acquisition and support of the conservation community."
Last year the Department of Interior put out a request for citizen input on areas that deserve more protection. The department will announce the priority areas Nov. 15.
The park south of Seattle was established in 1899. It now encompasses about 380 square miles.