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!

Trail Maintenance Help Coming to the Methow

Feb 26, 2018

The Methow Valley Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest selected by USDA as one of 15 priority areas to help address the $314 million trail maintenance backlog on forests.

Speak Up for Trails in Whatcom County

Feb 15, 2018

Want to see more hiking between Bellingham and Mount Baker in the coming years? Attend one of these upcoming meetings and share your thoughts.

State Legislature Passes Capital Budget, Funds Trail and Recreation Projects

Jan 30, 2018

The Washington legislature finally passed a capital budget, approving funding for trail and recreation projects across the state.

WTA Works for Wildfire Funding

Nov 10, 2017

Catastrophic wildfires have been increasing in severity and frequency for decades in Washington and across the United States. This difficult reality has had major consequences not just on the forests, but also on the U.S. Forest Service budget and the agency’s ability to complete trail maintenance, fire prevention and recreation projects.

Ellensburg Meeting a Chance to Shape the Manastash Ridge Trail System

Sep 19, 2017

Attend a Sept. 26 meeting to preview early plans for a trail system on Manastash Ridge, and give feedback.

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.

Two WTA Grants Help Support Trailwork in the Southwest and Olympics

Sep 12, 2017

The National Forest Foundation and the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance support WTA's work in parts of the state where trails need the most love.

Budgets for U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service Up in the Air

Aug 31, 2017

Congress has made some progress toward determining the budgets for the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service for the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1. However, they still have a lot of work to do. Here's what we know so far and what to expect in the months ahead.

Hikers Turn Out for Trail Funding on Washington Trails Day

Aug 10, 2017

Last weekend, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for trails and trail funding.

2017 State Legislative Session: How Did Trails and Recreation Do?

Aug 23, 2017

When the state legislature adjourned without passing a complete capital budget, it left a number of trail projects in the lurch. In one bright spot, No Child Left Inside was funded through the operating budget.

Want a Simpler Pass System? Take This Survey

Jul 28, 2017

We're working to help improve the recreation pass system in Washington, and we need hikers to share your thoughts. Help make the pass system simpler and more equitable.

We're a State of Hikers, and That's Good News for Our Economy

Jul 26, 2017

A new study from the Outdoor Industry Association has some impressive new statistics on the recreation economy in the state and the country. Your time spent on the trail generates more revenue than you might think!

Planning for the Future of Trails

Jun 23, 2017

Gearing up to meet the demands of a booming recreation economy, a number of our parks and recreation areas are developing trail and recreation plans. Here's how to learn more and get involved in shaping the creation and management of tomorrow's trails.

Speak Up for Trails Along the Mountain Loop by July 3

Jun 26, 2017

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest recently proposed a timber project in the popular Mountain Loop Scenic Byway area. While it may mean more parking, some popular trails like Heather Lake, Mount Pilchuck and Lake 22 may be impacted. Learn more and submit your comments by July 3.

Take the Hiker Survey for the Teanaway Community Forest

Jun 14, 2017

Take the short survey, and your answers will be presented to the Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee in July, and help shape the future of our state's largest community forest.

Your Comments Needed on National Monument Review

Apr 26, 2017

See what the latest executive order means for national monuments and how you can speak up for trails.

National Parks' Record Visitation Highlights Outdoor Economy

Apr 19, 2017

National Parks visitation broke records last year. A new report out today reveals how those visits translated into jobs and millions for the trail towns surrounding Washington's national parks.

Teanaway Community Forest Recreation Planning Update & Stewardship Day

Apr 18, 2017

Evaluations for use in the Teanaway Community forest are under way. Here's the latest news, and an opportunity to get involved.

WTA Testifies in D.C. to Champion Trail Funding

Mar 22, 2017

WTA's executive director gave testimony in D.C. on Tuesday to champion the need for increased investment in trails and recreation lands during a hearing hosted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

How Trail Funding Works: Washington's Biennial Budget

Apr 05, 2017

It's a bit of a winding of a path to iron out the particulars of which trails get funded and by how much in the state budget.

Saving Lost Trails: 3 Areas Where WTA Will Focus in 2017

Mar 07, 2017

The hiking community has an opportunity this year to save three iconic places that represent the variety of challenges trails are facing across the state.

Record Numbers Show Up to Speak for Trails in Olympia

Feb 16, 2017

More than 120 hikers from across the state joined WTA for Hiker Rally Day in Olympia yesterday to voice their support for funding for trails and recreation lands and programs to get youth outside.

Take Action to Protect the Methow Valley from Mining

Feb 22, 2017

Following incredible community support in 2016, Methow Valley closed 2016 with a victory for long-term protection against mining for the region’s recreation lands.

D.C. Update: Bill to Sell Public Lands Withdrawn, Monuments and Drilling Proposals Move Forward

Feb 08, 2017

The first two weeks for the new federal administration and the 115th Congress saw the introduction of multiple proposals that could impact hikers.

Feb. 9: Phone In to a Town Hall Update on Blanchard Mountain

Feb 06, 2017

The delegates from Washington's 40th legislative district will hold a "telephonic town hall" on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. Advocates are encouraged to join the call to learn more and ask questions.

As Jewell Returns Home, Incoming Interior Secretary Pledges to Protect Public Lands

Jan 20, 2017

No matter who is in office, WTA will always work to protect access to trails and support funding for the public lands we all share.

President Obama Issues Memorandum Promoting Diversity and Inclusion on Public Lands

Jan 13, 2017

During his last full week in office, President Obama signed an historic memorandum calling for increased diversity and inclusion for public lands staff and visitors.

2017 Legislative Priorities: Funding for Trails, Getting the Next Generation Outdoors

Jan 24, 2017

The legislature is currently making the budget for the next biennium, making this a critical time for hikers to show support for the outdoors.

Dec. 20: Shape the Future of Trails in Seattle

Dec 15, 2016

The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department invites hikers and other Seattle residents to attend a public meeting next Tuesday to discuss the city's plan for soft surface trails.

How Trail Funding Works: How Can We Stop Fighting Fire With Recreation Budgets?

Dec 21, 2016

Wildfire spending has been eating up more of National Forest budgets, pulling from basic trail repairs. WTA and others are pushing Congress to fund better solutions.