Advocating for Federal Trail Funding

Backcountry trails are an essential part of Washington’s trail system. Nearly two million people hike on Washington’s backcountry trails annually, enjoying solitude and an extended connection with nature.

But, budget cuts and increasingly extreme fire seasons have undermined land managers’ ability to keep backcountry trails clear and hikeable. To keep these trails around for generations to come, we advocate at a national level to boost funding for our federal land management agencies.

8 ways hikers are benefitting from critical federal funding

Feb 07, 2024

WTA was thrilled in 2020 when we rallied our hiking community and joined with partners to help pass the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Here’s some of the work that the GAOA has supported in Washington state, from 2021 through 2023, to help support millions of outdoor experiences.

Facing a Future Marked by Fire, the Schneider Springs Response Could Prove a Model for Resilience

How one coordinated response to a 2021 fire in the William O Douglas Wilderness could contain the seeds for restoring and building a more climate-resilient backcountry trails system. | by Michael DeCramer

Hike the Hill: WTA Staff Advocate for Trails, Funding and Equity in D.C.

Feb 22, 2023

WTA staff traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside partners to meet with the congressional leaders and leaders of federal land management agencies. We talk about our vision of creating trails for everyone and discussed how to better maintain trails and recreation infrastructure in Washington.

Rep. Strickland Visits WTA Gear Library and Talks Trail Funding

Apr 18, 2022

WTA met with Representative Marilyn Strickland to tour our Puyallup gear library and talk funding for trails.

2022 Federal Budget Trail Investments Good News — Here’s Why We’re Working for More

Mar 24, 2022

Last week, Congress finalized a federal budget for the 2022 fiscal year. Amid the trillions of dollars within Congress’s new budget — what matters for trails? In some good news, the budget increases investments in the Forest Service, but the numbers fall short of what's needed.

The U.S. Forest Service Needs More People

Hikers rely on the Forest Service, but for decades the agency hasn't gotten the funding it needs. Hikers can speak up to help the agency get the support necessary to care for trails and public lands.

Congress Passed Infrastructure Funding: What it Means for Trails

Nov 10, 2021

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act just passed through Congress, and this secures support for trails across the country, including Washington.

How WTA Works for Trails and for You

By building connections, looking for creative solutions and mobilizing hikers, we’re helping to create a strong future for trails. | By Jessi Loerch

One Year Later: How the Great American Outdoors Act Is Funding Trail Fixes

Aug 06, 2021

One year on from the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, funding for stewardship and maintenance of trails has helped WTA to make great strides in our work. With four more years of GAOA funding to go, we're optimistic at what we can achieve, but we know that making trails for everyone, forever will take a lot more work.