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!

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.

It's All Online: Legislative Session and Hiker Rally 2021

Jan 11, 2021

The 2021 legislative session is now underway. Learn about WTA's budget priorities and how to use your voice to support trails and public lands.

I Picked Up 80 Pounds of Trail Trash in a Year. Here's What I Learned

Dec 30, 2019

If you're looking for hiking resolutions for 2020, here's what I learned from a year of collecting 80 lbs of light sabers, orange peels and water bottles.

Behind the Scenes: Washington's Best-Kept Secret for Recreation Funding

Nov 26, 2019

Celebrating its 30th year, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse for the interests of outdoor recreation, including the hiking community.

Hiker Headlines: Land Protected Forever, Roadless Area at Risk, Hiking with Lawmakers

Nov 14, 2019

It's Nov. 14. Forty-six acres of forest near Issaquah were recently protected and will provide access to a popular hiking area. You have a chance to use your voice to protect roadless areas. And we've been hiking with state lawmakers to talk about trails and public lands.

Trail Champions in the House: Meet Five Leading Women in Washington's Legislature

Nov 06, 2019

This fall, we hiked with five Washington state representatives on trails in their home districts. We recently walked and talked outdoor recreation, physical health and economic benefits with Representatives Entenman, Jinkins, Leavitt, Robinson and Ryu.

Hiker Headlines: New Trail Opens, Grizzly Bears, Road Closure and Outdoor Preschools

Oct 03, 2019

It's Thursday, Oct. 3. WTA helped open up a new section of trail at Lake Whatcom Park. The public has a chance to comment on a plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Washington state is the first in the U.S. to license outdoor preschools. Washington State Parks has been honored as one of the best. And a new bill in the U.S. House could help get more people outside.

Get Outside to Celebrate on Public Lands Day

Sep 26, 2019

Earlier this year, Washington’s legislature officially recognized Public Lands Day. It’s coming up on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about the day and how you can celebrate.

Hiker Headlines: Celebrating Public Lands with Fee-Free Day, Hike-a-Thon Wins

Sep 19, 2019

There’s a fee-free day coming to our national — and state! — public lands. A new federal transit policy might make it easier for everyone to get outside. The U.S. Forest Service is hiring. The ranger station in Forks is limiting its hours. And WTA's annual Hike-a-Thon wraps up another successful season of fundraising for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Discover Pass Fees, Kids Hike Free, Olympics Campgrounds Close for Season

Sep 12, 2019

The new Transit to Trails bill makes it easier for everyone to get outdoors, nationwide. State park goers might see a Discover Pass fee increase, while fourth graders get a free pass to play outside in national recreation areas. It’s the last weekend to camp at some Olympic National Forest campgrounds. And do you love trails? Apply to be an ambassador!

Hiker Headlines: New E-Bike Rules, Enchantments Parking Changes, Fire Control

Sep 05, 2019

A new federal policy changes the rules regarding e-bikes on trails. Parking is no longer allowed along Eightmile Road. Upcoming road closures may mean re-routing your adventure. And planned fires may have some hikers smelling smoke.

Hiker Headlines: New Boss for Forests, Ellinor Closes, Trails Get Rebooted

Aug 15, 2019

There’s a new Deputy Regional Forester in town, and she’s stoked to supervise. Upcoming trail and road closures mean opportunities for new hiking discoveries. And thanks to our hiking community, trails are successfully getting rebooted.

Nation's Most Important Environmental Law at Risk

Aug 20, 2019

Big changes are being proposed to the country’s first major environmental law — the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. Some of the changes would drastically roll back public comment periods, eliminating the voices of hikers like you in proposals that impact our public lands, and the activities we enjoy on them.

Hiker Headlines: Meteor Showers, Parks Funding, North Cascades Grizzlies

Aug 09, 2019

The Perseids return this weekend. King County voters approved their parks funding. Got opinions on grizzlies? North Cascades wants to hear. And there's a new wilderness designation in Colville.

A Day of Action: Hikers Raise Their Voices on Washington Trails Day

Aug 06, 2019

This Washington Trails Day, thousands of hikers raised their voices for funding on this day of action, hiking and celebrating.

Hiker Headlines: Spokane Parks Need Funding, Cape Horn Reopens, Hunting Season Begins

Aug 01, 2019

Spokane County Parks & Rec is seeking input from hikers on how to allocate funding for 2020. Cape Horn Loop in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened. And hunting season in Washington officially starts today.

Hiker Headlines: Parks Funding, Getting Kids Outside, Public Lands Questions

Jul 18, 2019

Parks in King County need your help with vital funding. More kids are getting outside thanks to a boost from Washington grants. Trailhead Direct, a WTA partner project, is inspiring transit-to-trail systems in other states. New federal land policies are in flux. And Olympics bridges will close for inspection.

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.