Advocacy in the Blog

Current issues affecting trails and hikers.

Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Status, WTA Advocacy, Icicle Road, MLK Day

Jan 13, 2022

Sno-parks are slow to reopen after last week’s snowstorm. The state legislative session just kicked off in Olympia. Icicle Road near Leavenworth will likely be closed through the weekend. And, entry fees will be waived at public lands on Monday, January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Short Legislative Session, Big Goals for the Outdoors

Jan 11, 2022

WTA is leading exciting requests to the state legislature during this year's short session.

Congress Passed Infrastructure Funding: What it Means for Trails

Nov 10, 2021

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act just passed through Congress, and this secures support for trails across the country, including Washington.

A Plan for Silver Star's Future

Oct 07, 2021

Silver Star mountain in Southwest Washington is a beloved destination facing access issues. The Silver Star Coalition is looking to help with that.

What Do You Want From Seattle Parks? Let Them Know

Sep 29, 2021

The city of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department wants to hear from you to help them shape their priorities for the coming years.

Planning for Paradise: Your Input on Mount Rainier's Future

Aug 18, 2021

Mount Rainier National Park is looking for your help to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion in the most trafficked area of the park.

How Do You Enjoy the Olympics? Help Plan the Future of Olympic National Forest

Jul 29, 2021

Olympic National Forest is looking to hear how you create in the region as part of their Sustainable Recreation plan.

WTA Joins with Rep. Kim Schrier to Promote Funding for Trails and Roads

Jun 09, 2021

WTA and leaders from the recreation community in Washington gathered to promote the introduction of the Legacy Roads and Trails Act in Congress. The act would help fun road and trail maintenance, as well as environmental restoration and fish passage.

Washington Representative Leads Effort to Fund Trails and Roads

May 07, 2021

Washington Rep. Kim Schrier has introduced the Legacy Roads and Trails Act in Congress. The bill would provide critical public funding to help maintain roads and trails on U.S. Forest Service lands in order to protect endangered species and improve water quality on public lands. Rep. Derek Kilmer cosponsored the legislation.

The 2021 State Legislative Session was Full of Wins for Trails

Apr 28, 2021

From bringing advocates together for our digital Hiker Rally to asking you to help get budgets over the line, we’ve been excited to share the power of advocates during this year's legislative session. This weekend, the state Legislature wrapped up its 2021 session and we're excited to report that outdoor recreation saw wonderful support from lawmakers.

Early Budget Proposals in Olympia Show Promising Support for Trails

Apr 07, 2021

With only a few weeks left before state lawmakers finalize budgets, we break down how things are looking for trails and outdoor recreation. See where things stand and take action.

WTA Advocacy Director Andrea Imler Receives Prestigious Jim Ellis Spirit Award

Dec 11, 2020

WTA’s Advocacy Director, Andrea Imler, was awarded with the Jim Ellis Spirit Award for her work in developing the Recreate Responsibly Coalition (RRC) in response to the pandemic on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the 2020 Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust annual dinner.

Take a Hike and Help the Economy

Dec 10, 2020

Outdoor recreation is a huge contributor to our state's economy. In 2019, $5 billion was spent on hiking alone. And overall outdoor recreation spending is $26.5 billion. In other words — hiking is good for you, and it's good for our state.

Science Says Building the Outdoors for Kids is Better for Everyone

Oct 12, 2020

Research has confirmed that nature is good for kids. That's why WTA has been working to create a future that ensures kids have more access to nature.

Changes are Coming to Mount Rainier National Park

Sep 15, 2020

Mount Rainier National Park wants to hear from visitors about the most popular access point to the park. The park is focusing on Paradise Road, and the facilities along it, from the Nisqually entrance near Ashford, all the way up to Paradise. The public has until Oct. 5 to comment on the plan.

New Report Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Stronger Than Ever

Aug 13, 2020

A new report about the outdoor recreation economy in Washington shows just how important hikers' contributions are to making our state thrive. From money added to the overall economy to the 264,000 people employed by recreation, it's clear that we need to continue to advocate for increased investment in the outdoor community.

We Need Trails, on Washington Trails Day and Every Day!

Aug 05, 2020

This Washington Trails Day — our state's official holiday for trails — we asked our community why they need trails. Here's what you told us.

Celebrating Partnership: WTA and King County Parks

Jun 27, 2019

On Monday, WTA staff joined King County Executive Dow Constantine for a hike on the Margaret’s Way trail. The trail is a strong example of what can happen when a government agency like King County Parks teams up with a non-profit organization like WTA.

Hiker Headlines: Federal Advocacy, Closed Trails, Drought and Ferry County

Jun 13, 2019

It's June 13. WTA has been in the other Washington. A number of toilets are closed at trailheads in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It's really, really dry out on the Olympic Peninsula. And Ferry County is making the most of the recreation economy.

Hiker Headlines: Legislative Debrief, Morning Star Meeting, Big Four Closure, Mount Rainier Chains

May 02, 2019

The state legislative session is over, and there were some big victories mixed with disappointments. You have a chance to learn more about Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area. The Big Four Ice Caves trail bridge is closed. And chains are no longer required at Mount Rainier.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Wants to Hear From Hikers Like You!

Jun 26, 2018

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is looking for input on recreation sites in the forest, like trailheads, campgrounds, visitor information sites and more. Fill out their survey by June 30.

Rare Opportunity to Shape the Future of Wallace Falls

Mar 15, 2018

As State Parks looks at the future of Wallace Falls State Park, hikers have a rare opportunity to help shape one of the most beloved destinations in the state.

2018 Legislative Victories: State Invests in Trails and Public Lands

Mar 13, 2018

The state legislature wrapped-up the 2018 session on March 8, and there's plenty for hikers and trail advocates to celebrate.

Share Your Vision for the Future of Trails on the Mount Baker District

Mar 30, 2018

The Forest Service is seeking input from hikers on opportunities for projects in the Mount Baker Ranger District along the North Fork Nooksack River corridor. Help shape the Nooksack Integrated Conservation and Enhancement Project by attending a meeting in Maple Falls March 8 or April 12.

Mining Threatens Trail on Goat Mountain (Again)

Sep 20, 2017

Gifford Pinchot National Forest gave the green light for exploratory drilling on Goat Mountain. This decision is the latest action in part of an 11 year attempt to mine in this area. Act now to learn more and submit comments to the Forest Service before the October 9 deadline.

2014 Legislative Session: How Trails Fared

Mar 14, 2014

How did trails and recreation fare in the state legislature? The short, 60-day legislative session ended in Olympia late last night with a few important bills that impact hikers making it across the finish line just in time. Here’s a brief look at some of those bills that are currently awaiting Governor Inslee’s signature to become law.

Greenway Seeks National Heritage Area Status

Jul 15, 2013

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is leading a bipartisan campaign to have the U.S. Congress designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a national heritage area. Learn more about how to help.

Speak Up for State Parks on their 100th Birthday

Mar 28, 2013

Washington State Parks turn 100 this year, and they're showing their age. Please call your state senator and ask them to reinvest in our state parks.

Whatcom Welcomes New Forested Park

Mar 13, 2013

In great news for hikers, Whatcom County Council approved a new park for the county with a vote of 5-2 last night. The new Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve Park, at almost 8,844 acres, will be one of the largest local parks in the nation.

2013 State Legislative Session Kicks Off

Jan 16, 2013

The 2013 state legislative session opened in Olympia Monday, and WTA is already working on advocating for issues that are important to hikers, including funding to keep Washington State Parks open, safe and maintained.