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!

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.

2016 Legislative Priorities: Teanaway Community Forest, Trail Funding

Jan 25, 2016

This years’ legislative session in Olympia may be short, but hikers still have an opportunity to support investment in our public lands.

Meet Your Very First Recreation Advisor to the Governor, Fresh from Spokane

Jan 25, 2016

A Spokane resident and outdoor magazine founder has been appointed the first ever Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development Policy Advisor to Governor Inslee.

Trails Can't Speak for Themselves, But These Advocates Will

Feb 04, 2016

Meet just a few of the trail advocates who have played a big role in advocating for trails here in Washington.

UPDATED: Victory! Congress Revives Land and Water Conservation Fund

Apr 21, 2016

Conservationists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts celebrate the inclusion of a critical conservation program in the federal budget deal.

Congress Passes Trails-Friendly Transportation Package

Dec 09, 2015

December 4, President Obama signed a transportation bill into law providing $85 million for trails nationwide over the next 5 years.

Help Save the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Nov 25, 2015

One of the nation's key programs protecting trail experiences expired earlier this year, but you have the power to pull it out of limbo.

Attend a Meeting to Discuss Wilderness Use in Mount Rainier

Nov 11, 2015

Mount Rainier National Park is considering updating its wilderness plan to address pressures on popular trails.

Oregon Senator Promotes Outdoor Recreation Economy in New Bill

Nov 12, 2015

Senator Ron Wyden released a discussion bill highlighting the need for further support for the nation's growing outdoor recreation economy.

Call Your Representative, Save Federal Trail Funding

Nov 03, 2015

Take three minutes to take action for trails and call for the support of the Recreational Trails Program.

Advocate for Trails at Lake Whatcom on Nov. 5

Oct 29, 2015

There’s a possibility for new trails on Lookout Mountain and next to Lake Whatcom. Here's how you can help make them a reality.

Urban Trails to Connect Neighbors With Nature, Each Other

Oct 15, 2015

At the end of September, Seattle City Council approved a $100,000 grant to bring an urban trail experience to one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods.

LWCF Update: Federal Program Expires After 50 Years Preserving Trail Experiences

Oct 07, 2015

One of the nation's primary conservation tools has expired due to Congressional inaction.

DNR Proposes New Trail Policy, Public Comments Due Sept. 28

Sep 25, 2015

The Department of Natural Resources needs your input as the agency plans for the future of recreation in places like Mt. Si, Oyster Dome and Mailbox Peak.

Wildfires Burn Through National Forest Budgets

Oct 01, 2015

This year's fires took an enormous toll on Washington communities and wracked up a hefty bill, forcing the Forest Service to raid recreation funds.

Federal Program Needs Your Support for the Future

Sep 02, 2015

WTA volunteers donate thousands of hours each year, but it takes a lot of resources to get boots on the ground. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is making it easier for volunteers to give back.

Outdoor Community Discusses the Future of Recreation in Washington with DelBene, Murray

Aug 12, 2015

Nearly a dozen members of the outdoor recreation community met with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene and Senator Patty Murray to discuss the need to maintain Washington's natural heritage for the future.