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.

WTA Joins with Rep. Kim Schrier to Promote Funding for Trails and Roads

Jun 09, 2021

WTA and leaders from the recreation community in Washington gathered to promote the introduction of the Legacy Roads and Trails Act in Congress. The act would help fun road and trail maintenance, as well as environmental restoration and fish passage.

GAOA Provides Vital Funding for Public Lands

Mar 03, 2021

The Great American Outdoors Act was a huge win for the outdoor community. Here’s some of the ways it will help Washington.

The Great American Outdoors Act was, Indeed, Great - Now, What’s Next?

Aug 18, 2020

The outdoor recreation world is buzzing after the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) passed and was signed by the president recently. With billions of additional dollars now invested in public lands, we've all been wondering: What’s next? Where might these investments go? And how might the government take on the hefty task of addressing their maintenance backlogs?

How Powerful Partnerships Help WTA Build a Better Future for Trails

Aug 13, 2020

WTA has been bringing people together for years. By building connections, finding middle ground and creating shared goals, we are moving toward our vision of trails for everyone, forever. Here are a few recent examples of how, when we come together, we can do more for trails and the hiking community.

Victory! Congress Approves Vital Funding for Public Lands

Jul 22, 2020

The Great American Outdoors Act has passed the Senate and the House. With full funding for the Land and Water Conversation Fund and $9.5 billon for the backlog of maintenance on federal lands, the Great American Outdoors Act is a historic piece of public lands legislation. Thank you for helping to make it happen!

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!

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.

Roads, Trails & Red Tape: 5 Federal Public Land Bills Hikers Should Care About

Jul 18, 2019

With August recess approaching, we give you a 5-minute digest of a number of federal bills impacting national public lands we are tracking as they move through Congress.

Victory! Congress Passes Public Lands Package

Feb 27, 2019

The package is the largest public lands bill in recent history, and there's plenty to celebrate for hikers in Washington state.