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!

Land Managers Back at Work After Shutdown, But Hikers Should be Patient

Jan 28, 2019

The federal government is open again. Here's what hikers need to know right now.

Hiker Headlines: Government News, Glaciers, Fires and Easier Camping

Jan 24, 2019

It’s Jan. 25. The federal government is close to a deal to resume operations. The state legislature is in full swing. Now is a good time to start dreaming about state park camping trips. Oh, and the latest in Conconully's outhouse races.

Hiker Headlines: Federal and State Government News, St. Helens at Risk, Lunar Eclipse

Jan 17, 2019

It’s Jan. 17. The state legislature headed back to work this week. The federal government, well, it’s still partially shutdown. And hope for clear nights — because there’s a lunar eclipse coming.

We're Heading Back to Olympia to Work for Hikers Like You

Jan 14, 2019

The legislature is currently creating the budget for the next two years. Here are WTA's funding priorities as we enter the 2019 legislative session.

Federal Shutdown: What It Means for Washington Hikers

Jan 14, 2019

An impending government shutdown may impact your upcoming visit to our national parks and forests.

Forest Leader: Thank You, WTA Community, for Your Warm Welcome

Nov 05, 2018

The new regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Region looks forward to working with the WTA community to care for trails.

The Changing Face of the National Forest

Nov 19, 2018

Meet Yewah Lau, the district ranger for the Hood Canal Ranger District and 16-year veteran with the U.S. Forest Service. Be sure to join us in pledging to thank a ranger after reading.

A 15-Year Vision For Trails: Meet The Teanaway Community Forest

Oct 24, 2018

After one and a half years, the final draft of the Teanaway Community Forest is finally here!

You Did It! Lake Serene Is Protected Forever

Oct 17, 2018

Last Friday, our friends at Forterra announced they have officially completed the purchase of land abutting the Lake Serene trail, guaranteeing the trail will remain accessible forever.

What's the Deal with LWCF?

Oct 05, 2018

For the past 52 years, the Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act (LWCF) has been our nation’s most successful conservation and recreation program. With its future in flux, here's what you need to know.

3 Ways to Tackle Trash on Trail

Sep 19, 2018

Being an advocate for trails can mean many things — even picking up trash. That’s why WTA is asking hikers to make a pledge to pick it up and pack it out.

This Labor Day, Be a Leader -- Leave No Trash on Trail!

Aug 29, 2018

WTA teamed up with Deuter for a pledge to #LeaveNoTrashOnTrail campaign. By picking up even one piece of garbage on your hike, you are not only helping protect public lands and wildlife: you are modeling advocacy for everyone around you

Celebrate Blanchard Mountain!

Sep 11, 2018

Celebrate the protection of Blanchard Mountain with a day full of fun activities!

New Trails From Baker To Bellingham?

Aug 22, 2018

Would you like to see new trails, connectors, and trailheads in this beautiful area? Now’s your chance to speak up! The Baker to Bellingham Non-Motorized Recreation Plan is in its later planning stages and is open for public comment until August 26.

Thousands of Hikers Speak Up for Recreation on Washington Trails Day

Aug 14, 2018

On Washington Trails Day, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for prioritizing funding for recreation and trails on national forests.

This Summer, Hikers Stepped Up for Trails

Sep 03, 2018

Here's how hikers worked hard for trails this summer. Plus, how WTA has been working behind the scenes to plan a future for trails.

Speak Up for the Enchantments!

Jul 17, 2018

Chelan County and the Washington State Department of Ecology have proposed a plan called the Icicle Strategy. Parts of the plan call for new, larger dams in the incredibly popular and beloved Alpine Lakes Wilderness Enchantment Lakes region which have the potential to flood lakeside trails, campsites, and adjacent lands.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Wants to Hear From Hikers Like You!

Jun 26, 2018

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is looking for input on recreation sites in the forest, like trailheads, campgrounds, visitor information sites and more. Fill out their survey by June 30.

Nason Ridge: Private Land Acquired, Saved From Logging

May 30, 2018

Nason Ridge near Lake Wenatchee is the latest piece of land to be saved from logging after a surge of local support over the last 10 months.

National Park Service Backs Down from Major Fee Increases

Apr 12, 2018

Thanks to an overwhelming response from hikers and trail advocates, the Department of Interior has backed off from a plan for steep National Park fee increases.

New Bill Is Great News for Federal Wildfire Funding and Trails

Mar 23, 2018

Hikers and trail advocates scored several big victories with the passage of a federal budget bill in Congress.

Get a Glimpse of the Future Teanaway Community Forest in Cle Elum on April 12

Apr 03, 2018

Attend the next Teanaway Community Forest meeting on April 12 to learn about future recreation opportunities in the Teanaway and share your thoughts.

Rare Opportunity to Shape the Future of Wallace Falls

Mar 15, 2018

As State Parks looks at the future of Wallace Falls State Park, hikers have a rare opportunity to help shape one of the most beloved destinations in the state.

2018 Legislative Victories: State Invests in Trails and Public Lands

Mar 13, 2018

The state legislature wrapped-up the 2018 session on March 8, and there's plenty for hikers and trail advocates to celebrate.

Share Your Vision for the Future of Trails on the Mount Baker District

Mar 30, 2018

The Forest Service is seeking input from hikers on opportunities for projects in the Mount Baker Ranger District along the North Fork Nooksack River corridor. Help shape the Nooksack Integrated Conservation and Enhancement Project by attending a meeting in Maple Falls March 8 or April 12.

Outdoor Recreation is Worth $373 Billion to the GDP

Feb 22, 2018

A new government report shows that the outdoor recreation economy is 2 percent of the GDP—and growing.

Trail Maintenance Help Coming to the Methow

Feb 26, 2018

The Methow Valley Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest selected by USDA as one of 15 priority areas to help address the $314 million trail maintenance backlog on forests.

Speak Up for Trails in Whatcom County

Feb 15, 2018

Want to see more hiking between Bellingham and Mount Baker in the coming years? Attend one of these upcoming meetings and share your thoughts.

State Legislature Passes Capital Budget, Funds Trail and Recreation Projects

Jan 30, 2018

The Washington legislature finally passed a capital budget, approving funding for trail and recreation projects across the state.

WTA Works for Wildfire Funding

Nov 10, 2017

Catastrophic wildfires have been increasing in severity and frequency for decades in Washington and across the United States. This difficult reality has had major consequences not just on the forests, but also on the U.S. Forest Service budget and the agency’s ability to complete trail maintenance, fire prevention and recreation projects.