Current Issues

Washington State boasts an extensive system of trails that lead hikers in to some of the most beautiful places in the country.  Every year, hikers take hundreds of thousands of trips into the mountains here, thankful for the opportunity to access such wild lands.

But those trails need a lot of work.  They need funding for regular maintenance and enforcement, and they need protection.

Washington Trails Association works on all three fronts to ensure that hikers have the safest and best experience possible.  We're currently working on several issues that have a impact on trails.

Safer Trails

Gothic Basin, seen here from the trail to Foggy Lake, is managed by the Department of Natural Resources on a very slim budget. By Charles Ardary

Safer trails: WTA is working with legislators in Olympia to make Washington's trails safer for all users.

Funding Issues

Federal Budget for Trails:  WTA works with Congress to increase the budget for our under-funded trail system.

Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and State Parks: WTA works to ensure that both  DNR and Washington State Parks have funding for trails in Washington's state parks, nature preserves and conservation areas.

User Fees:  We advocate that Northwest Forest Pass revenue go directly back to the forest and amenities that the purchaser is using.

Forest Planning

WTA is closely following the implementation of what's known as the "ORV Rule" on our national forest land. WTA believes that motorized use on National Forests must be managed in a balanced way that protects our National Forests and keeps them quiet and free of pollution.

National Forest Planning: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest are updating their 15-year forest plans. WTA is providing input to ensure that the forests are managed well for hiking and recreation.

Wilderness & Roadless Areas

Dark Divide Wilderness:  Wilderness preservation in the Dark Divide region of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has long been a priority for Washington Trails Association.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness Addition:  The most recent legislative proposal for new wilderness in Washington, this bill would add the Pratt River Valley and Middle Fork to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.