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!

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.

Ellensburg Meeting a Chance to Shape the Manastash Ridge Trail System

Sep 19, 2017

Attend a Sept. 26 meeting to preview early plans for a trail system on Manastash Ridge, and give feedback.

Mining Threatens Trail on Goat Mountain (Again)

Sep 20, 2017

Gifford Pinchot National Forest gave the green light for exploratory drilling on Goat Mountain. This decision is the latest action in part of an 11 year attempt to mine in this area. Act now to learn more and submit comments to the Forest Service before the October 9 deadline.

Two WTA Grants Help Support Trailwork in the Southwest and Olympics

Sep 12, 2017

The National Forest Foundation and the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance support WTA's work in parts of the state where trails need the most love.

Budgets for U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service Up in the Air

Aug 31, 2017

Congress has made some progress toward determining the budgets for the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service for the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1. However, they still have a lot of work to do. Here's what we know so far and what to expect in the months ahead.

Hikers Turn Out for Trail Funding on Washington Trails Day

Aug 10, 2017

Last weekend, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for trails and trail funding.

2017 State Legislative Session: How Did Trails and Recreation Do?

Aug 23, 2017

When the state legislature adjourned without passing a complete capital budget, it left a number of trail projects in the lurch. In one bright spot, No Child Left Inside was funded through the operating budget.

Want a Simpler Pass System? Take This Survey

Jul 28, 2017

We're working to help improve the recreation pass system in Washington, and we need hikers to share your thoughts. Help make the pass system simpler and more equitable.

We're a State of Hikers, and That's Good News for Our Economy

Jul 26, 2017

A new study from the Outdoor Industry Association has some impressive new statistics on the recreation economy in the state and the country. Your time spent on the trail generates more revenue than you might think!

Planning for the Future of Trails

Jun 23, 2017

Gearing up to meet the demands of a booming recreation economy, a number of our parks and recreation areas are developing trail and recreation plans. Here's how to learn more and get involved in shaping the creation and management of tomorrow's trails.

Speak Up for Trails Along the Mountain Loop by July 3

Jun 26, 2017

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest recently proposed a timber project in the popular Mountain Loop Scenic Byway area. While it may mean more parking, some popular trails like Heather Lake, Mount Pilchuck and Lake 22 may be impacted. Learn more and submit your comments by July 3.

Take the Hiker Survey for the Teanaway Community Forest

Jun 14, 2017

Take the short survey, and your answers will be presented to the Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee in July, and help shape the future of our state's largest community forest.

Your Comments Needed on National Monument Review

Apr 26, 2017

See what the latest executive order means for national monuments and how you can speak up for trails.

National Parks' Record Visitation Highlights Outdoor Economy

Apr 19, 2017

National Parks visitation broke records last year. A new report out today reveals how those visits translated into jobs and millions for the trail towns surrounding Washington's national parks.

Teanaway Community Forest Recreation Planning Update & Stewardship Day

Apr 18, 2017

Evaluations for use in the Teanaway Community forest are under way. Here's the latest news, and an opportunity to get involved.

WTA Testifies in D.C. to Champion Trail Funding

Mar 22, 2017

WTA's executive director gave testimony in D.C. on Tuesday to champion the need for increased investment in trails and recreation lands during a hearing hosted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

How Trail Funding Works: Washington's Biennial Budget

Apr 05, 2017

It's a bit of a winding of a path to iron out the particulars of which trails get funded and by how much in the state budget.

Saving Lost Trails: 3 Areas Where WTA Will Focus in 2017

Mar 07, 2017

The hiking community has an opportunity this year to save three iconic places that represent the variety of challenges trails are facing across the state.