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!

Counting the Outdoors: Pres. Obama Signs New Recreation Economy Law

Dec 12, 2016

New law includes recreation economy as part of the GDP and demonstrates a growing recognition of the impact that recreation can have on national, state and local economies.

Dec. 15: Help Plan Morning Star Trails

Dec 09, 2016

DNR could add new trails in the area. Morning Star NRCA is home to popular hiking destinations in Snohomish County like Gothic Basin, Ashland Lakes and Bald Mountain.

In Final Days Before Recess, Congress Passes Legislation to Support Forest Trails

Nov 17, 2016

Trail lovers have something new to be thankful for during the holiday: the Senate passed a bill to preserve trails.

Path Cleared for New Trail in Wild Sky Wilderness

Nov 22, 2016

The project will create new hiking opportunities in the wilderness area, adapting to the increasing demand for family-friendly and ADA-accessible trails.

County Council Approves Plan for 98 Miles of New Trails at Lake Whatcom

Nov 14, 2016

After more than a year of collaboration with the recreation community, the Whatcom County Council will ensure sustainable access to this local gem.

Oct. 25: Help Plan the Future of Recreation, Trails in the Teanaway Community Forest

Oct 19, 2016

The Washington departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife (DNR and DFW) are inviting outdoors enthusiasts to help plan the future of recreation in the Teanaway Community Forest.

Lost Trails Found: Creating a Sustainable Future for the North Fork Sullivan Trail

Oct 10, 2016

Strong partnerships, trail funding and a lot of hard work in the field means brings one trail in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness come back from the brink.

Highlights from Washington State Trails Conference

Oct 19, 2016

The 2016 Trails Conference was abuzz with talk of transit and tech, as well as engaging the next generation.

Every Kid in a Park Launches for 2017

Oct 20, 2016

Every Kid in a Park is launching for its second year -- get your fourth grader his or her free federal lands pass now!

Two Conferences to Talk Trails, Health, Equity and Transportation

Sep 19, 2016

Leaders from around the state will be converging on two terrific trail conferences to untangle the challenges faced by trails, and chart a way into the future

How Trail Funding Works: Addressing Maintenance Backlogs on the 100th Birthday of the National Park Service

Aug 25, 2016

August 25 is the 100th birthday of the National Park Service and, though they didn't ask for a present, there is something you can do today to keep parks strong for the next century.

Take Action: Connecting Mount Baker and Bellingham with a New Trail System

Aug 17, 2016

The Department of Natural Resources needs your comments as it works to complete a multi-year planning process to manage recreation on its working forests.

PHOTOS: On Washington Trails Day, Hikers Spoke Up for Trails

Aug 12, 2016

Saturday August 6, hikers across the state celebrated the third annual Washington Trails Day by getting outside and showing their support for increasing trail funding.

Are You Celebrating Washington Trails Day August 6?

Aug 05, 2016

For the third year in a row, Governor Inslee has officially declared August 6 Washington Trails Day to recognize the importance trails and public lands play in our lives and to ensure we can preserve them for the future.

Speak Up For Trails on the Colville National Forest

Jun 24, 2016

The Forest Service is seeking public comments on the Draft Revised Forest Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Colville National Forest released earlier this year.

Senators Murray, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Protect Methow Valley

May 26, 2016

Senator Patty Murray and Representative Maria Cantwell have introduced legislation supporting the Methow Headwaters campaign lead by local residents, farmers and businesses.

Help Map the Future at Mica Peak

May 24, 2016

Join Spokane County Parks in exploring Mica Peak Conservation Area and informing the development of a new recreational trail system.

New Trail Links Recreation Areas near Anacortes

May 24, 2016

The nearly-complete John Tursi Trail is a vision decades in the making. WTA volunteers have helped make this connector between Deception Pass and Anacortes a reality, and a ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 4.

Help Shape the Future of John Wayne Trail

May 03, 2016

Hikers have another chance to help Washington State Parks determine the future for the John Wayne Pioneer Trail at two public meetings in Preston (near Issaquah) and Ritzville.

Hikers, Hunters, Birders on Public Lands Mean Millions for Local Communities

May 02, 2016

Communities near Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties benefit from millions of dollars in spending from non-motorized recreation, according to a new study by ECONorthwest.

Good News for Pacific Crest Trail in Washington

Apr 18, 2016

New protected views from the PCT, and a call to clear the way from Canada for southbound hikers.

Methow Community Rallies to Preserve Valley's Character, Water & Economy

Apr 11, 2016

In response to a new mining proposal, community members are coming together to protect the area for future generations.

Telling the Teanaway’s Geologic Story

Mar 30, 2016

If the hills of the Teanaway could talk they would tell tales of bubbling lava, earth ripped asunder and a shoreline triggered by great blocks of melting glacial ice.

Protect Mountains to Sound Greenway, Contact Your Legislators Today

Mar 18, 2016

Decision makers need to hear from local voices that protecting the Greenway is a priority.

Speak Up Now for Recreation Roads Near Mount Baker

Mar 03, 2016

The National Forest is analyzing the North Fork Nooksack road system near Mount Baker. Hikers have until March 7 to weigh in on the future of trailhead access along these recreational roads.

Attend a Meeting in Cheney or Ellensburg to Plan the Future of John Wayne Pioneer Trail

Mar 01, 2016

The John Wayne Pioneer Trail is the longest state rail-trail reaching across Washington from east to west and hikers have the opportunity to help plan for the future of the trail.

To Prevent Lost Trails, Training Tomorrow's Backcountry Stewards

Mar 11, 2016

Trails get lost in a variety of ways and volunteers have the skills to find them. But how does a person actually learn to care for our treasured places?

Protect Trails From Mining Near Mount St. Helens

Feb 29, 2016

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is requesting comments on a proposal to conduct exploratory mining near Mount St. Helens National Historic Monument.

How Does Trail Funding Work?: Before Trails Can Be Built, the President and Congress Make a Budget

Feb 17, 2016

The presidential administration's budget proposal could have a huge impact on trails, but first it has to be negotiated in Congress. And that's a long trail ahead indeed.

Show Support for Two Trail Projects Along I-90

Feb 02, 2016

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed two new trail projects within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the Talapus Lake Trail and near Dirty Harry's Peak.