Hiker Headlines: Awards, Recreation Economy, Palouse Trail Planning, New Map

It's December 17. We're excited to share that our Advocacy Director, Andrea Imler has received the Jim Ellis Spirit Award for her work. A recent study shows just how much Washington recreationists contribute to the economy. An important connection along the Palouse to Cascades Trail is getting a glow-up. There's an opportunity to share your input on a new trail plan in the Palouse region. And, a new online map will help hikers identify land managers on our local public lands. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

A lovely winter day along the Palouse to Cascades trail near Crab Creek. Photo by trip reporter mytho-man.

WTA’s award winner: WTA’s Advocacy Director, Andrea Imler, received the Jim Ellis Spirit Award on December 9. She was awarded this great honor for her work co-founding the Recreate Responsibly Coalition. Andrea’s leadership has been integral in bringing numerous stakeholders and land managers together around a common message for hikers to bring safety and stewardship on their outings this year.

Hikers help the economy: The Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation report shows just how important outdoor recreation is to Washington State’s economy. In 2019 people spent $5 billion on hiking in our state. From gas to food to gear, every little expense adds up to create a robust recreation economy.

Missing link: A railroad trestle that passes over I-90 near Vantage as part of the Palouse to Cascades Trail is getting an overhaul. The project should be completed by March 2021 and will provide an important connection on this trail. Once finished, this section of trail will be continuous from Ellensburg to the Columbia River.  

Palouse planning: The Palouse Regional Transportation Organization is looking for input on a new comprehensive plan for trails in their region, which includes four counties. To submit your comments about the trails in this area, take their survey.

Public lands app: A new map was recently released by Washington State’s Recreation and Conservation Office. The online map shows all the public land in Washington and can be sorted by land manager All told, there’s 18.8 million acres of public land in Washington State!

BE IN THE KNOW

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• Check our Hiking Guide for information on what trails are open. 
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