Wolf Bauer, who launched his engineering career in 1936 with Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Co. and later became a noted conservationist and outdoorsman, will be honored by the state Legislature on his 98th birthday.
Bauer, who lives in Anacortes but has a daughter-in-law and two granddaughters on San Juan Island, is the subject of a resolution approved by the state House of Representatives. Bauer’s birthday is Feb. 24. House Speaker Pro Tem Jeff Morris and Rep. Dave Quall will present the resolution to Bauer on Feb. 26.
The resolution reads:
WHEREAS, Mr. Wolf Bauer has been a pioneer of the Northwest and a leader in outdoor education and environmental conservation since 1929; and
WHEREAS, In March of 1930, Mr. Bauer won The Mountaineers first slalom race and served as a trailbreaker for the Mountaineers first Patrol Race; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 1935, Mr. Bauer and Mr. Jack Hossack made the first ascent of the Ptarmigan Ridge on the north face of Mt. Rainier, reaching the summit in two days; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bauer’s designs and innovations led to the development of the modern fiberglass kayak, as well as the sport of kayaking;
WHEREAS, In 1948, Mr. Bauer created the Washington Foldboat Club, which is currently titled the Washington Kayak Club; and
WHEREAS, a group led by Mr. Bauer made the first descent of Boulder Drop on the Skykomish River near Index, Washington; and
WHEREAS, In 1949, Mr. Bauer created the Mountain Rescue and Safety Council, which is presently titled the Mountain Rescue Council, and served as the Council’s chairman for its first six years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bauer’s dedication to the preservation of the Green River Gorge led to appropriations for purchase of surrounding lands from individuals, railroads, and timber companies; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bauer was a founding member of the Washington Environmental Council in 1969; and
WHEREAS, In 1969, Mr. Bauer drafted the “Natural Shorelines Act”, which was incorporated into the Shoreline Management Act of 1971; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bauer still hikes the trails of Washington Park in Anacortes and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bauer celebrated his 98th birthday on February 24, 2010;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives officially recognize Mr. Wolf Bauer for his dedication to outdoor education and safety, as well as his steadfast commitment to the preservation of Washington rivers and shorelines; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Mr. Bauer.
