Advocacy in the Blog

Current issues affecting trails and hikers.

The latest news and wins on issues impacting hikers and public lands. Stay in the loop by signing up for Trail Action Network today!

Hiker Headlines: Spokane Parks Need Funding, Cape Horn Reopens, Hunting Season Begins

Aug 01, 2019

Spokane County Parks & Rec is seeking input from hikers on how to allocate funding for 2020. Cape Horn Loop in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened. And hunting season in Washington officially starts today.

Hiker Headlines: Parks Funding, Getting Kids Outside, Public Lands Questions

Jul 18, 2019

Parks in King County need your help with vital funding. More kids are getting outside thanks to a boost from Washington grants. Trailhead Direct, a WTA partner project, is inspiring transit-to-trail systems in other states. New federal land policies are in flux. And Olympics bridges will close for inspection.

Roads, Trails & Red Tape: 5 Federal Public Land Bills Hikers Should Care About

Jul 18, 2019

With August recess approaching, we give you a 5-minute digest of a number of federal bills impacting national public lands we are tracking as they move through Congress.

Love King County Parks? Vote Yes on Prop. 1

Jul 15, 2019

Please join WTA and our local partners in supporting King County Proposition 1, the County Parks Levy. Take the pledge to vote yes on the Aug. 6 ballot.

Hiker Headlines: Leave No Trace in the Enchantments, Outdoor Funding, Fighting Weeds

Jul 11, 2019

The Enchantments are getting some LNT Hot Spot love. Washington state awarded grants across the state to fund outdoor projects. And, toxic weeds in King County? There’s an app for that.

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.

Three State Recreation Organizations Advocate Together for Trails in D.C.

Jun 12, 2019

Last week, WTA’s advocacy director Andrea Imler journeyed to the other Washington with leaders of two other local outdoor recreation organizations, Back Country Horsemen of Washington and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to speak up in support of public lands and trails.

WTA Launches 'Trails Rebooted' to Upgrade Our Trail System

May 13, 2019

Trails Rebooted is channeling your passion for close-in hikes to reimagine what’s possible for iconic trails and investing in the trail system of tomorrow.

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.

State Budget: The Wins and Losses in the 2019 Legislative Session

Apr 30, 2019

The 2019 legislative session has some big wins and some disappointing losses for state lands. Here's a roundup of decisions that affect public lands and hikers.

Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Win, State Parks, WTA Jobs, PIE

Mar 14, 2019

It’s March 14. The public lands package is a done deal. State Parks have a free day next week. We're hiring! Plus: You should eat some pie today.

Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Victory, Have a Say on Larrabee, Health Benefits of Green Spaces

Feb 28, 2019

It's Feb. 28. A massive lands package — including permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund — passed Congress. If you use trails at Larrabee State Park, the state would like your input. A much-needed update to maps of the Kettle Crest are in the works. And science proves what a lot of us know — being outside is good for you.

Victory! Congress Passes Public Lands Package

Feb 27, 2019

The package is the largest public lands bill in recent history, and there's plenty to celebrate for hikers in Washington state.

Public Lands Package Heads to House for Consideration

Feb 22, 2019

The House of Representatives will soon consider a robust public lands package that benefits Washington's trails and outdoor spaces. See how you can help.

Hiker Headlines: Digging Out, Peregrine Falcons, St. Helens Permits and Good News for Badger Mountain

Jan 31, 2019

It's Jan. 31. Federal land managers are trying to recover after losing 10 percent of their work year. A section of Cape Horn trail seasonal closure begins to protect nesting peregrine falcons. And some good news for love, fun and Tri-Cities hikers.

Land Managers Back at Work After Shutdown, But Hikers Should be Patient

Jan 28, 2019

The federal government is open again. Here's what hikers need to know right now.

Hiker Headlines: Government News, Glaciers, Fires and Easier Camping

Jan 24, 2019

It’s Jan. 25. The federal government is close to a deal to resume operations. The state legislature is in full swing. Now is a good time to start dreaming about state park camping trips. Oh, and the latest in Conconully's outhouse races.

Hiker Headlines: Federal and State Government News, St. Helens at Risk, Lunar Eclipse

Jan 17, 2019

It’s Jan. 17. The state legislature headed back to work this week. The federal government, well, it’s still partially shutdown. And hope for clear nights — because there’s a lunar eclipse coming.

We're Heading Back to Olympia to Work for Hikers Like You

Jan 14, 2019

The legislature is currently creating the budget for the next two years. Here are WTA's funding priorities as we enter the 2019 legislative session.

Federal Shutdown: What It Means for Washington Hikers

Jan 14, 2019

An impending government shutdown may impact your upcoming visit to our national parks and forests.

Forest Leader: Thank You, WTA Community, for Your Warm Welcome

Nov 05, 2018

The new regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Region looks forward to working with the WTA community to care for trails.

The Changing Face of the National Forest

Nov 19, 2018

Meet Yewah Lau, the district ranger for the Hood Canal Ranger District and 16-year veteran with the U.S. Forest Service. Be sure to join us in pledging to thank a ranger after reading.

A 15-Year Vision For Trails: Meet The Teanaway Community Forest

Oct 24, 2018

After one and a half years, the final draft of the Teanaway Community Forest is finally here!

You Did It! Lake Serene Is Protected Forever

Oct 17, 2018

Last Friday, our friends at Forterra announced they have officially completed the purchase of land abutting the Lake Serene trail, guaranteeing the trail will remain accessible forever.

What's the Deal with LWCF?

Oct 05, 2018

For the past 52 years, the Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act (LWCF) has been our nation’s most successful conservation and recreation program. With its future in flux, here's what you need to know.

3 Ways to Tackle Trash on Trail

Sep 19, 2018

Being an advocate for trails can mean many things — even picking up trash. That’s why WTA is asking hikers to make a pledge to pick it up and pack it out.

This Labor Day, Be a Leader -- Leave No Trash on Trail!

Aug 29, 2018

WTA teamed up with Deuter for a pledge to #LeaveNoTrashOnTrail campaign. By picking up even one piece of garbage on your hike, you are not only helping protect public lands and wildlife: you are modeling advocacy for everyone around you

Celebrate Blanchard Mountain!

Sep 11, 2018

Celebrate the protection of Blanchard Mountain with a day full of fun activities!

New Trails From Baker To Bellingham?

Aug 22, 2018

Would you like to see new trails, connectors, and trailheads in this beautiful area? Now’s your chance to speak up! The Baker to Bellingham Non-Motorized Recreation Plan is in its later planning stages and is open for public comment until August 26.