Advocacy in the Blog

Current issues affecting trails and hikers.

The latest news and wins on issues impacting hikers and public lands. Stay in the loop by signing up for Trail Action Network today!

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.

Washington Representative Leads Effort to Fund Trails and Roads

May 07, 2021

Washington Rep. Kim Schrier has introduced the Legacy Roads and Trails Act in Congress. The bill would provide critical public funding to help maintain roads and trails on U.S. Forest Service lands in order to protect endangered species and improve water quality on public lands. Rep. Derek Kilmer cosponsored the legislation.

Hiker Headlines: City Nature, Trail Wins, CATbus to Dog Mountain, Billy Frank Jr.

Apr 29, 2021

The state legislative session wrapped up with big wins for trails. Hikers have a new transit option to get to Dog Mountain. The worldwide City Nature Challenge kicks off this week. A statue of Billy Frank Jr. will be placed at the National Capitol.

The 2021 State Legislative Session was Full of Wins for Trails

Apr 28, 2021

From bringing advocates together for our digital Hiker Rally to asking you to help get budgets over the line, we’ve been excited to share the power of advocates during this year's legislative session. This weekend, the state Legislature wrapped up its 2021 session and we're excited to report that outdoor recreation saw wonderful support from lawmakers.

Early Budget Proposals in Olympia Show Promising Support for Trails

Apr 07, 2021

With only a few weeks left before state lawmakers finalize budgets, we break down how things are looking for trails and outdoor recreation. See where things stand and take action.

Hiker Headlines: Funding, National Park Projects, Pro-Crew, Sno-Park Fee Increase

Mar 25, 2021

It’s March 25. Money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund will go to important conservation projects in Washington. North Cascades National Park announced plans to reroute a section of Stehekin Road, and in Olympic National Park a new entrance station will improve traffic flow. WTA is hiring for our first paid, pro trail-work crew. State Parks announced that Sno-Park fees will increase starting next winter. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

5 Big Take-Aways from WTA's First Virtual Hiker Rally

Mar 17, 2021

2021 brought a new twist to our biannual Hiker Rally Day — like many other events have been for the last year, it was all-virtual. WTA staff learned a lot about what it takes to move to an online format. But more importantly, we were inspired, as always, by our hiker advocates who showed up to speak out for our trails and public lands.

Five Land Managers Get Real on the Pandemic and Public Lands

Mar 16, 2021

A year after COVID-19 pandemic began to change our lives in innumerable ways, including in how we get outside, WTA sat down with our land manager partners to talk about the last year. We discussed the opportunities and challenges from the pandemic and the key role that public lands played in people’s mental and physical health. We also talked about the impacts of unprecedented visitors to public lands when agencies were underfunded and trying to keep their staff safe during a public-health crisis. Everyone we talked to was grateful that public lands could be there for people who desperately need exercise, escape and restoration. Our partners also have real concerns for the long-term management of public lands — and they hope to help everyone see how they can ensure that these special spaces so they will be there for generations to come.

From Awe to Ah-Hah!: 4 Advocates Realize the Power of Their Voices for Trails

Mar 11, 2021

When did you realize that trails don’t just appear in the woods? Or that your favorite trail probably exists in part thanks to hikers like you? If you haven't had that "ah-hah!" moment yet, it's understandable. The path towards establishing and protecting trails is winding (much like those trails we love so much). But in the same way that you can lay the foundation for memorable summer adventures by tuning into permit season each year in February, hikers like you can help build a lifetime of adventure by consistently participating in advocacy work.

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.

Hiker Headlines: Weather Advisory, Lunar New Year, Backcountry Trips, LWCF

Feb 11, 2021

It’s February 11. This weekend promises to bring extreme winter weather. Lunar New Year is tomorrow. Registration for WTA’s backcountry trips goes live this Saturday. There are new changes to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We have valentines for that special hiker in your life.

Thank You, Land Managers!

Jan 08, 2021

Without our agency partners, we wouldn’t have trails to work on.

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.

Take a Hike and Help the Economy

Dec 10, 2020

Outdoor recreation is a huge contributor to our state's economy. In 2019, $5 billion was spent on hiking alone. And overall outdoor recreation spending is $26.5 billion. In other words — hiking is good for you, and it's good for our state.

Hiker Headlines: Thankful for the Outdoors, Funding for Projects, Virtual Events

Nov 25, 2020

It’s November 25. Consider 6 outdoor activities to celebrate the season in addition to #OptOutside, which is this Friday. The Forest Service is accepting public comment on which projects should be funded. In-person events put on by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will go virtual this winter. And, a turkey visits a national park. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Trail Planning Takes Time: Scouting Trails in the Teanaway Community Forest

Oct 13, 2020

WTA is helping bring the Teanaway Community Forest trail plan to life, scouting an existing web of unofficial trails for the ones that will be able to sustain hikers, bikers and riders for years to come.

Science Says Building the Outdoors for Kids is Better for Everyone

Oct 12, 2020

Research has confirmed that nature is good for kids. That's why WTA has been working to create a future that ensures kids have more access to nature.

Changes are Coming to Mount Rainier National Park

Sep 15, 2020

Mount Rainier National Park wants to hear from visitors about the most popular access point to the park. The park is focusing on Paradise Road, and the facilities along it, from the Nisqually entrance near Ashford, all the way up to Paradise. The public has until Oct. 5 to comment on the plan.

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?

New Report Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Stronger Than Ever

Aug 13, 2020

A new report about the outdoor recreation economy in Washington shows just how important hikers' contributions are to making our state thrive. From money added to the overall economy to the 264,000 people employed by recreation, it's clear that we need to continue to advocate for increased investment in the outdoor community.

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.

We Need Trails, on Washington Trails Day and Every Day!

Aug 05, 2020

This Washington Trails Day — our state's official holiday for trails — we asked our community why they need trails. Here's what you told us.

Hiker Headlines: We Want to Hear From You, Trails Rebooted, SOAR Act

Jul 30, 2020

It’s July 30. We’d like to hear your thoughts on a couple things. We’re celebrating some Trails Rebooted wins this year. And we’re excited to see the SOAR act moving ahead in Congress. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Tell Us About It: What Do You Think of the Mountain Loop Highway?

Jul 28, 2020

The Mountain Loop Highway has a ton of recreation options but needs investment to improve visitor experience and environmental help. Tell us what you like about hiking here and help shape the future of this gorgeous place.

Hiker Headlines: Big News for Public Lands, Goats Fly, Borrow a Discover Pass, Cover Your Face

Jul 23, 2020

The Great American Outdoors Act, a critical piece of legislation for public lands, passed Congress this week. Mountain goats are flying via helicopter from the Olympic mountains to their new home in the Cascades. Libraries across the state are reopening and offering Discover Passes for checkout. And, yes, face coverings are still an essential part of your trail attire: keep bringing them and keep wearing them when passing other folks. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Hiker Headlines: Write Your Representative, Latino Conservation Week, Comet, Rainier Q&A

Jul 16, 2020

It's July 16. Please write to your House member right now to support the Great American Outdoors Act. Latino Conservation Week kicks off soon. We have some tips on where you can hike to see the comet. And Mount Rainier's superintendent answers some questions about this summer.

What to Expect at Mount Rainier This Summer: Q&A With Rainier's Superintendent

Jul 10, 2020

WTA staff recently sat down — over Zoom — with Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park, to gain some behind the scenes insight on what we can expect at the park this year.

Hiker Headlines: Act Now for Public Lands, Coronavirus, Online Events

Jul 09, 2020

It's July 9. If you act now, you can help public lands get vital funding for years to come. WTA joined partners for an exciting talk about the value of time outside, and how we can help more people enjoy time in nature. Coronavirus continues to disrupt some outdoors services. And we have ideas for a few — remote — events to celebrate the outdoors. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

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!

Hiker Headlines: Standing Against Racism, Juneteenth, Enchantments Delays, Public Lands Bill

Jun 18, 2020

It's June 18. WTA commits to standing against racism. Juneteenth is tomorrow, here are a few ways to honor the day. Expect major delays if you're hiking the Enchantments soon. And funding for public lands is making progress in Congress.