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!

Record Numbers Show Up to Speak for Trails in Olympia

Feb 16, 2017

More than 120 hikers from across the state joined WTA for Hiker Rally Day in Olympia yesterday to voice their support for funding for trails and recreation lands and programs to get youth outside.

Take Action to Protect the Methow Valley from Mining

Feb 22, 2017

Following incredible community support in 2016, Methow Valley closed 2016 with a victory for long-term protection against mining for the region’s recreation lands.

D.C. Update: Bill to Sell Public Lands Withdrawn, Monuments and Drilling Proposals Move Forward

Feb 08, 2017

The first two weeks for the new federal administration and the 115th Congress saw the introduction of multiple proposals that could impact hikers.

Feb. 9: Phone In to a Town Hall Update on Blanchard Mountain

Feb 06, 2017

The delegates from Washington's 40th legislative district will hold a "telephonic town hall" on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. Advocates are encouraged to join the call to learn more and ask questions.

As Jewell Returns Home, Incoming Interior Secretary Pledges to Protect Public Lands

Jan 20, 2017

No matter who is in office, WTA will always work to protect access to trails and support funding for the public lands we all share.

President Obama Issues Memorandum Promoting Diversity and Inclusion on Public Lands

Jan 13, 2017

During his last full week in office, President Obama signed an historic memorandum calling for increased diversity and inclusion for public lands staff and visitors.

2017 Legislative Priorities: Funding for Trails, Getting the Next Generation Outdoors

Jan 24, 2017

The legislature is currently making the budget for the next biennium, making this a critical time for hikers to show support for the outdoors.

Dec. 20: Shape the Future of Trails in Seattle

Dec 15, 2016

The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department invites hikers and other Seattle residents to attend a public meeting next Tuesday to discuss the city's plan for soft surface trails.

How Trail Funding Works: How Can We Stop Fighting Fire With Recreation Budgets?

Dec 21, 2016

Wildfire spending has been eating up more of National Forest budgets, pulling from basic trail repairs. WTA and others are pushing Congress to fund better solutions.

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.