Writing Letters to the Editor

An easy way to educate and persuade a large number of people about hiking and trail issues is through the Letters to the Editor (LTE) of your local newspaper. You can use a letter to:

• Correct or interpret facts that appeared in an article in the paper;
• Explain the connection between a recent news item and your priority issue.
• Praise or criticize a recent article or editorial.
• Reach elected officials with your message, because they often read the letters to the editor section to gauge local opinion on issues.

How to Get Your LTE Published

Getting your letter published is the key, and with these guidelines, yours will be published in no time.

Pick an issue, and only one issue. You should discuss only one topic per letter.

Keep it short and concise. Stick to 3-4 paragraphs under 250 words. (Your newspaper’s length and submission guidelines should be published on their website - make sure to follow them).

Write your letter to connect with something timely – a recent article, editorial, or another letter. You might also tie your topic to an anniversary or current event (such as National Trails Day).

Respond to a specific article within 2 days of its publication. Get your letter in right away using fax or email.

Write from a local perspective. Illustrate how the issue impacts the quality of life of the readers.

Make your letter personal, and include people in your letter. Use personal stories where possible. Be inclusive - use the words “I” and “we”. If you hike in the area you are trying to protect, say so.

Write with sincerity and passion, but don’t go over the top. Use common-sense, persuasive language, and avoid jargon. Humor, wit and irony may help people connect with your letter.

Avoid hostility and bitterness in the tone of your letter. While animosity may help your letter get published, it could do your cause harm in the long run.

Don’t just raise problems in your letter; suggest solutions.

Give the readers a way to learn more or take action, if possible.

Always include your name, address and phone number, so the paper can verify its authorship.

Please let us know if your letter is published! Email Kindra Ramos, WTA’s Outreach Coordinator, at Kindra@wta.org

Sample Letter to the Editor

Josephine B. Hiker
123 Mt. Rainier Blvd.
Lynnwood, WA  98000

To the Editor:

I applaud the Herald’s recent coverage of the storm damage and recovery efforts that are planned for Mount Rainier National Park. It is a national icon and important recreation area and should be repaired quickly. But it’s necessary to note that storm damage to Washington’s trails and natural areas reach far beyond this majestic mountain. 

Any hiker will tell you that some of our state’s best hiking opportunities are found in our National Forests.  Right here in our backyard, the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest was hammered by the winter 2006 storm, and road and trail damages are estimated at around $11 million. This is on top of the damage still awaiting repair from the massive storm in late 2003. It also comes after years of deep budget cuts.

Congressman Norm Dicks of Washington state chairs the House subcommittee on Interior Appropriations. He and his fellow congressional representatives are in strong positions to help secure the remaining funds needed to complete the storm damage repair, at both Mount Rainier and our National Forest lands. Washington’s delegation must ensure that Congress provides the support necessary to fully address damage to roads, trails and other recreation facilities incurred during the storms of 2006.

Respectfully submitted,

Josephine B. Hiker
(360) 555-9197