Signpost Blog
"This little newsletter has been an experiment so far, testing a hunch I've had that such a means of communication among walkers is needed." — Signpost magazine, 1966.
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See Wildlife on a Hike? Your Observations Help Conservation Researchers
Jan 29, 2021
Spot a bat, Pacific marten or Prairie falcon on your hike? After the ecological damage of recent wildfires, conservation researchers at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife need your observations from the trail more than ever.
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Hiker Headlines: New Sno-Park, Backcountry Trips, Take Action, Climate Plan
Jan 28, 2021
It’s January 28. A new Sno-Park was just announced. Sign up for WTA’s volunteer backcountry trips is almost here, with a few changes. New ways to take action for trails. And, the President lays out a plan for climate and conservation. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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WTA's Hiking Guide is Coming to Your Neighborhood
Jan 27, 2021
Having trails close to home is an important piece of the puzzle to create an extensive and accessible trail network. That's why we’ve added over 100 local parks and trails to our hiking guide. These descriptions include details like transit directions, park facilities, and parking information.
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Speak Up to Protect the Enchantments & Wilderness
Jan 26, 2021
The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is an iconic hiking destination in Washington. A proposed dam project on Eightmile Lake and other water projects have a new open comment period through Feb. 1. Join WTA in speaking up to reduce impact and ensure the project doesn't set new precedents for activities in wilderness areas.
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Get Ready for WTA's 2021 Backcountry Trips
Jan 26, 2021
Join WTA this summer. Backpack to a gorgeous place, do some trail work, and feel good about helping Washington's trail be some of the best.
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Hiker Headlines: Snow-Free Hikes, Wildfire Help, Changes to LWCF, Mask Up, Trail Closure
Jan 21, 2021
It’s January 21. Lowland hikes offer hassle-free winter outings. An executive order reinforces mask-wearing on public lands. House Bill 1168 offers help for wildfires. WTA is tracking and responding to last minute changes to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. And, the Snow Lakes Trail will be closed for several weeks this winter. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Hiker Headlines: In Remembrance, MLK Day, Busy Slopes, Legislative Priorities, Public Planning
Jan 14, 2021
It’s January 14. We remember Leonard Sauer. A fee-free day is coming up on Monday in honor of MLK Day. Snow play areas are now open at Paradise, but busy slopes make alternate plans necessary. WTA has announced our priorities for the 2021 legislative session. And, check out two opportunities to provide input for public land planning. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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It's All Online: Legislative Session and Hiker Rally 2021
Jan 11, 2021
The 2021 legislative session is now underway. Learn about WTA's budget priorities and how to use your voice to support trails and public lands.
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Thank You, Land Managers!
Jan 08, 2021
Without our agency partners, we wouldn’t have trails to work on.
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Hiker Headlines: Sno-Parks, Highway 20, Gorge Trails, Winning Photos
Jan 07, 2021
It’s January 7. Review tips for visiting Sno-parks. The North Cascades Highway closure boundary moved farther east. Trails in the Eagle Creek area have reopened. Check out the winning photos from WTA’s Northwest Exposure contest. And, a website where you can listen to forests from around the world. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Creating a Refuge for People of Color in the Outdoors
Jan 05, 2021
How Chevon Powell built an event for people of color in the outdoors — and why that’s more important than ever right now. By Crystal Gartner
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Hiker Headlines: Goodbye 2020, Winter Wonders, the Other Washington
Dec 30, 2020
It’s December 30. As the year ends, we look back on all the great work the WTA community accomplished in 2020. Getting outside during the winter is great for mental health, plus fee-free days make it easy to explore new state parks. Mount Rainier announced changes to its winter activities. And congressmembers in Washington D.C. asked for funding for local parks. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Bringing Nature Closer to Home in Southwest Washington
Dec 30, 2020
WTA has been helping to make Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge into an easily accessible bit of nature. Thanks to a new path that offers a safe walking route, hikers now have two different ways to walk to the refuge from downtown Ridgefield. And those two routes can even be combined to create a 5-mile loop.
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2020 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners
Dec 29, 2020
See all 16 of the winning photos in this year's photo contest!
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What Will You Carry Into 2021?
Dec 28, 2020
2020 was a challenging year, but one that brought new hobbies, habits and self-reflection.
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Rebooting Popular Trails and the Pacific Crest Trail in the Central Cascades
Dec 22, 2020
WTA crews worked all summer to restore and maintain trails across the state. Part of that work included improving trails in the Cle Elum Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
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Snow Lake Trail: Helping an Iconic Trail Step Up Sustainability
Dec 22, 2020
How WTA trail crews, volunteers and member support are helping one of Washington's most popular and iconic trails carry increased boot traffic while protecting the beauty that makes it so special.
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Students at Seattle Nativity School Build Connections to Nature and Each Other on Trail
Dec 17, 2020
Seattle Nativity School hosts annual hiking trips with students across every grade, along with a summer backpacking trip for alumni. Two former students, Layla an Christian, reflect on these outdoor experiences and what memories have really stuck with them.
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Hiker Headlines: Awards, Recreation Economy, Palouse Trail Planning, New Map
Dec 17, 2020
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.
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Hiking Every Day for a Month: 2 Young Hike-a-Thoners Tell Their Story
Dec 15, 2020
This year, two young hikers set an ambitious goal. For the month of August, as part of their Hike-a- Thon participation, Lu and Chloe, both 10, set a goal to hike on a trail every day.
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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.
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