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!

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.

Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier and North Cascades Openings, Hopeful News for Public Lands

Jun 11, 2020

It’s June 11. Mount Rainier is opening up more areas for day use. North Cascades National Park will begin to allow camping and backpacking. An important bill for public lands is making progress in the U.S. Senate. And if you want to get outside but don't have the gear you need, there's a new option for easy rentals via the mail. Here’s some news you might have missed this week.

Hiker Headlines: A Toolkit for Advocates, Celebrate National Parks, Connect Virtually

Apr 23, 2020

It's April 23. We have a toolkit to help you speak up for the trails you love. While you can't visit in person, you can still celebrate National Park Week. And we're helping your cabin fever with our calendar of virtual events.

Celebrate National Park Week With a Look Back

Apr 22, 2020

This year, while many trails and public lands are undergoing temporary closures, the annual celebration will be taking a turn for more virtual programming. And at WTA, we wanted to play our part in finding ways to celebrate online.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Hiker Headlines: WTA Testifies in Olympia, King County Trails, Olympic Backcountry Permits

Jan 30, 2020

It's Jan. 30, 2020. WTA spoke in a legislative committee this week to share the results of a study on the benefits of trails. Use King County regional trails? Share how you think they should be used. You can already start applying for summer backpacking permits in Olympic National Park.

Hiker Headlines: Fisher Success, Legislature in Session, St. Helens License Plates

Jan 16, 2020

It's Jan. 16. Eight more fishers were recently released into the wild. The state Legislature is back in session. Monday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which you can celebrate with free access to public lands. And if you'd like a Mount St. Helens license plate, the state wants to know. Here's some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

New Year, New State Legislative Session: Our Big Goals for 2020 and How You Can Help

Jan 13, 2020

The 2020 legislative session is now in session. Learn about WTA's budget priorities for the upcoming year.