Current Issues
Washington Trails Association works on several issues pertaining to trails and hiking in Washington. Read about them here.
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 regular maintenance, they need money 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 ten issues that have a deep impact on 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
Funding Issues
Federal Budget for Trails: WTA works with Congress to increase the budget for our under-funded trail system.
State Budget for Trails: WTA works to ensure that the Department of Natural Resources has 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
National Forest Planning: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest are updating their 15-year forest plans. Help WTA ensure that the forests are managed well for hiking and recreation.
Off Road Vehicle Rules: WTA is closely following the implementation of what's known as the "ORV Rule" on our national forest land.
Recreation Facility Analysis: WTA is monitoring this process, which could have significant impact on trailheads and facilities in our forests.
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 addition to legislation supporting wilderness protection in Washington, this proposal would add the Pratt River Valley and Middle Fork to the Alpine Lakes.
Wild Sky Wilderness: This bi-partisan legislative proposal to add a new wilderness area near the town of Index has a good chance of passing this year.
Roadless Areas: Follow the ongoing debate over the protection of roadless areas on our public lands.
