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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5 Tips To Turn Your Neighborhood Stroll Into An Adventure
Mar 22, 2020
Hunkering down in your neighborhood? Here are some ways to turn your neighborhood walk into a unique outing.
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Hiker Headlines: OK to Hike Right Now? Some Good News for Trails, Coronavirus & WTA
Mar 19, 2020
It’s March 19. Coronavirus is dominating the news. Our thoughts are with our community and everyone who is being affected. With the need to distance from other folks, we have some advice on how to get outside responsibly and safely. And, in these challenging, uncertain times, we’re happy to share a bit of good news from the state legislature. Here’s some news you might have missed with everything else going on this week.
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9 Ways to Bring Outdoor Joy Into Your Life Right Now
Mar 18, 2020
A list of ways to harness the joy of the outdoors even when you're stuck inside.
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What Do I Need for a Close-to-Home Hike?
Mar 17, 2020
For a walk in your local greenspace, packing along the Ten Essentials may feel like overkill — but then where does that lead us?
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Some Good News. Outdoor Recreation Wins in the State Budget
Mar 16, 2020
The 2020 state legislative session is over and there were lots of wins for public lands and outdoor recreation. Our lawmakers supported everything from sustainable funding sources and Discover Passes in libraries to State Parks and No Child Left Inside. Take a moment to thank them.
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Our Community & Coronavirus
Mar 13, 2020
How we're working to keep our community safe. Updates on cancelled and rescheduled trail work parties and workshops. We are here for you: how we hope to be a source for moments of joy and inspiration.
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Hiker Headlines: Sentate Introduces Key Federal Funding Bill, Upcoming Permit Applications
Mar 12, 2020
Funding for LWCF and federal trail maintenance backlog could be in reach. And a lot of backcountry permits open up soon, including Mount Rainier and North Cascades national parks and Mount St. Helens.
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Landmark Legislation Puts Funding for LWCF and Federal Trail Maintenance Backlog in Reach
Mar 12, 2020
Landmark legislation for federal public lands has been introduced in the Senate. The Great American Outdoors Act includes both permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and billions of dollars to address the maintenance backlog on federal lands. Keep up-to-date on this historic moment!
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We Hike to Heal Celebrates Women, Nature and Community
Mar 09, 2020
The monthlong event culminates with a virtual event with hiking, meditation and journaling.
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Hiker Headlines: Discover Passes in Libraries and Science Shows We Need Nature
Mar 05, 2020
It's March 5. A bill passed the Legislature to provide Discover Passes to libraries. A new study reinforces the importance of nature to people's health, especially in urban areas. The Cowiche Canyon area needs help. And King County will offer transit passes, which cover Trailhead Direct, to people making below the poverty level.
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The State of the State Budget
Mar 02, 2020
We are already entering the home stretch of the 2020 legislative session. Last week, the state Senate and House of Representatives released their proposed budgets, giving us our first look at how the Legislature will fund our priorities with this year’s supplemental budget. Here’s an update on key budget items for hikers to know.
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Hiker Headlines: Rainer Re-Opens, Dog Mountain Permits, Middle Fork Snoqualmie by Mid-Summer?
Feb 27, 2020
You can visit Longmire and Paradise in Mount Rainier again. And if you’d like to hike Dog Mountain on a spring weekend, you’ll need to get a permit. Officials say mid-summer is the earliest the Middle Fork Snoqualmie landslide damage will be repaired. Our youth ambassadors talk to legislators.
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Making Sure No Child Is Left Inside
Feb 25, 2020
The No Child Left Inside program provides important grants to outdoor education and recreation programs for youth in Washington. Learn more about the program and how you can ensure its continued success.
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Hiker Headlines: Trails are a Must Have, New Route to Nature, Navy Wants to Use State Parks
Feb 20, 2020
A new study shows that investing in trails could pay off in a big way for states. A new, safe route lets folks more easily hike to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. And you can have your say about the Navy's request to use state parks for train.
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Trail Work 101: An Easy Intro for New Volunteers
Feb 18, 2020
Curious what trail work is about? Come join us to learn how to maintain trails in a low-key supportive environment.
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You Had Me at Let's Go Hiking: 4 Valentine Cards for Hikers
Feb 14, 2020
Send your hiking valentine something special this year.
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Hiker Headlines: Trail and Road Damage, Advocacy in D.C., New ADA Trail
Feb 13, 2020
It's Feb. 13, 2020. Recent storms have caused widespread flooding and landslides, affecting communities, roads and trails. Washington Trails Association's advocacy director was in Washington, D.C., this week working for hikers like you. A new accessible trail has opened up near the Tri-Cities. And wild areas in the Olympics are closer to getting protection.
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The Great Spider Meadows Boot Return
Feb 12, 2020
Just another great story of hikers in Washington being awesome to each other.
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Yikes. Flooding, Landslides Foreshadow a Rough Year Ahead for Trails, Roads
Feb 12, 2020
It will be several months before land managers can fully assess the damage to roads and backcountry trail infrastructure from recent storms, but the season ahead might be one for the record books.
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From Washington State to Washington D.C.: We’re Working for Hikers Like You
Feb 11, 2020
This year, we teamed up with trail groups from all over the country to Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C. and advocate for trails and public lands. Here are the important federal issues and bills we support and talked to our Washington lawmakers about.
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Creating The Ultimate Hike Planning Checklist
Feb 10, 2020
The be-all-end-all guide to shake off the winter doldrums and make a hiking checklist for your adventures.
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