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!

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.

Submit Your Comments on North Cascades Helicopter Landing Proposal

Jul 27, 2015

The U.S. Army has proposed several helicopter exercise sites in the North Cascades, some of which are in close proximity to popular hiking areas.

Call Your Senators, Save Federal Trail Funding

Jul 23, 2015

The U.S. Senate is considering a piece of transportation legislation that has the potential to impact trails in a big way. Contact your senators and tell them what this funding means to Washington's hikers.

How Did Trails and Recreation Fare in the State Legislature this Year?

Aug 04, 2015

Hikers showed strong support this year during lobby day and WTA had a regular presence in Olympia all session. That work paid off! Legislators recognized the importance of trails.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Protects Trail Experiences

Jul 14, 2015

One of the nation’s most important conservation program is at risk of expiring in September if Congress doesn’t act soon. Learn why it's critical for Washington’s trails.

Hikers' Voices Heard on I-90 Timber Sale

Jun 23, 2015

Over 500 comments from hikers were sent to the Forest Service asking for a timber harvest to be to be balanced with protecting trails. The Forest Service heard hikers loud and clear.

Shape New Trails in the Central Cascades

Jun 15, 2015

The Nature Conservancy made news with a historic land purchase preserving 47,921 acres of land near Cle Elum. You have the chance to shape the future of the land.

Victory in Olympia! Bringing the Outdoors Into the Governor's Office

May 13, 2015

A new law signed by the Governor today creates the first-ever senior policy advisor on recreation in Washington. It also funds the No Child Left Inside program.

Was Your Favorite Trail Protected by This Little-Known Program?

May 15, 2015

Treasured places like Antoine Peak and Iller Creek in Spokane, the Duwamish Greenbelt in King County and more will remain in the public trust thanks to the Conservation Futures program.

Legislative Session Update: State Parks and Trails Need Your Help

Apr 22, 2015

With the state legislature in final negotiations over the budget for 2015-2017, here's where things stand for trails. Let your legislators know that you value funding for public lands.

You Can Help the Mountains to Sound Greenway Become a National Heritage Area

Apr 21, 2015

If you've hiked in the Puget Sound region or Central Cascades, you've probably hiked in the Mountains to Sound Greenway. Now it could become a National Heritage Area.

Teanaway Community Forest Draft Plan: Ready for Your Review

Apr 09, 2015

Hikers, trail runners and others now have the opportunity to read and comment on the draft management plan for the Teanaway Community Forest.

Pledge to Keep Trails Clean, Win a New Klean Kanteen

Apr 06, 2015

Do you bring your own water bottle when you hike? Do you pack your trash out? Sign the pledge to keep our trails clean, and be entered to win a new Klean Kanteen.

Mount Rainier Faces Maintenance Backlog, Asks Congress to Fund Parks

Apr 17, 2015

Reports of significant maintenance backlogs at Mount Rainier, other federal lands, point to a need for Congress to fund public lands in 2016.

DNR Plans to Expand Recreation in the Snoqualmie Corridor

Apr 02, 2015

Outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes will soon enjoy access on 120 miles of trails in the Snoqualmie Corridor as part of a recently-released recreation plan.

Speak Up for Trails in the I-90 Corridor

Mar 25, 2015

The Forest Service needs to hear from you about a timber harvest proposal that could impact trails in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: the Hansen Creek project.

Future Voters, Avid Hikers Prove Advocacy Is for Everyone

Mar 10, 2015

Meet Planet Granite, a club of high school students devoted to getting their peers outdoors and to protecting their favorite local trails in the North Cascades.

On Lobby Day, Hikers from 26 Districts Champion Outdoor Access, Trail Funding

Feb 27, 2015

This week, more than 60 hikers joined us in Olympia to tell legislators why funding for trails and equitable outdoor access are critical issues for Washington.

Call for New Trails in Clark County Parks

Feb 26, 2015

If you'd like to see more local hiking and walking trails in Clark County, here are two easy ways to tell the county and its Parks Advisory Board how you feel in an online survey or in person.