10.21.03

Senator Maria Cantwell's Statement on Mardy Murie

WASHINGTON, D.C. – I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mardy Murie, a leading champion of wilderness conservation. Throughout her long and storied life, Mardy was at the forefront of the effort to protect and preserve our nation's wild places.

Mardy's accomplishments are a testament to what one committed person can achieve. Her landmark book, Two in the Far North, an account of her travels with her husband, Olaus Murie, helped make the case for the establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 1960. A former president of The Wilderness Society, she actively campaigned for enactment of the Wilderness Act in 1964 and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980. President Clinton recognized her many contributions to our nation when he awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.

Mardy led a life of dignity and grace. Through her work, she left a wonderful legacy to the American people for generations to come. Her work serves as an inspiration to me and many others in Washington state and across the country to redouble our efforts to protect America's great natural heritage.

Mardy Murie will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.