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!

What Kind of Trails Do You Want in Larrabee State Park?

Jan 14, 2014

Washington State Parks is just starting to plan the future of Larrabee State Park, and they want to hear from you. What kind of trails and recreation experiences do you want to see at Larrabee?

Government Report Underscores Trail Maintenance Backlog

Jan 09, 2014

Recently, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report to Congress about U.S. Forest Service trails. The message: "Long- and short-term improvements could reduce maintenance backlog and enhance system sustainability."

Sally Jewell Aims to Put Young People to Work on Public Lands

Jan 09, 2014

The Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, secures the first million towards an initiative aimed at putting 100,000 young people and veterans to work outdoors on conservation and stewardship of public lands.

Klickitat County Trails Plan Seeks Input from Local Residents

Dec 18, 2013

Local trails plan to connect the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail to the town of Lyle is seeking input from Klickitat County residents.

How Do You Hike on Mount-Baker Snoqualmie Lands?

Nov 12, 2013

Don't miss your opportunity to shape the future of roads in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Attend the last public meeting in Everett on Nov. 13 and fill out a short questionnaire before the Nov. 30 deadline.

Jonathan Guzzo: A Dozen Years of Advocacy

Nov 04, 2013

After twelve years as advocacy director, WTA bids a fond farewll to Jonathan Guzzo. As he takes the next step in his career, he leaves hikers in a much better position than when he arrived in 2001. From trail funding to coalition-building around trails, Jonathan has delivered time and again for hikers.

Hikers Rejoice! Funding Returns to Parks, Federal Lands

Oct 17, 2013

With the federal government shutdown officially over, we rounded up some key information to help you get out hiking Washington's federal lands in all their autumn glory.

Q&A: The Shutdown and Hikers

Oct 09, 2013

Questions and answers to common questions about the impact the federal government shutdown is having on hikers in Washington state.

Cooperative Effort Secures 50K Acres of Teanaway Land

Oct 02, 2013

Hikers and other recreational trail users have something big to celebrate today, the purchase of 50,272 acres in the Teanaway region by Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Federal Shutdown: What it Means for Hikers, Campers, Volunteers

Oct 01, 2013

Due to an impasse in Congress, the federal government shut down at midnight last night. Aside from the many impacts to federal employees and programs, the shutdown also impacts hikers, campers and trail volunteers.

Suiattle River Rd. to Close to Foot, Bike Traffic for Repairs

Aug 29, 2013

The Suiattle River Road will be closed to all human visitation from milepost 11.6 to the end between September 6 and October 10 for long awaited repairs.

Spotlight on the Suiattle, Action on Trail Access

Aug 09, 2013

As repairs to the Suiattle River Road slowly begin to approach reality, Ron Judd, a staff writer for The Seattle Times, has written thoughtful article in examining the challenges that hikers are facing in accessing some of the wild places hikers love. Find out how you can get involved in access issues.

Alpine Lakes Protection Bill Gets A House Hearing

Jul 25, 2013

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions bill continues to show momentum for passage in 2013. After having passed the U.S. Senate on June 19, its companion bill, H.R. 361, received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation on July 23.

Support the King County Parks Levy on Aug. 6

Jul 17, 2013

If you live in King County, please take a moment to vote Yes on the King County Parks Levy by Aug. 6. This levy is essential to maintaining and improving the vital trail systems throughout the King County Park system.

Greenway Seeks National Heritage Area Status

Jul 15, 2013

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is leading a bipartisan campaign to have the U.S. Congress designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a national heritage area. Learn more about how to help.

New State Budget a Mixed Bag for Trails, Hikers

Jul 01, 2013

Washington state's new budget made deep cuts across agencies that manage lands (and trails) in the state, but there's some good news mixed in with the bad. From State Parks to Mount Si and good news for Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program projects, read our recap from Olympia.

Act Today for Trail Funding in Transportation Bill

Jun 26, 2013

Live in Pierce County? You could make the difference in a Washington State legislative vote on the transportation package that would help fund outdoor recreation.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness Bill Passes Senate

Jun 20, 2013

In a surprise to many followers of federal wilderness legislation, the U.S. Senate passed the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Expansion bill last night. Now it moves on to the House of Representatives where it is scheduled for a committee hearing in July.

National Parks, Forests Make Sequestration Cuts

Jun 17, 2013

How the impacts of sequestration will impact visitors to Washington's national parks and national forests in 2013.

Wild Sky Wilderness Trails Plan Released

Jun 05, 2013

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has just released its Wild Sky Wilderness Area Trail Plan which identifies, evaluates and priorities 50 existing and proposed trails in the new Wild Sky Wilderness Area.

Tell Legislators: Please Fund State Parks

May 14, 2013

The Washington State Legislature is in extra innings, and funding for Washington State Parks is at stake. Here's how you can help.

WTA Endorses Funding For King County Parks

May 16, 2013

A King County Parks levy will be going to voters in August. This property tax levy will fund ongoing maintenance on recreation facilities in King County Parks, as well as planning and implementation of potential new trail connections in the South Sound. WTA has endorsed this levy and encourages its supporters to vote yes in August.

Budget Proposals Contrast On State Park Funding

Apr 11, 2013

The Washington State House released its operating budget yesterday, allocating $23.7 million for Washington State Parks - $7.2 million more than what was allocated in the Senate's budget.

Speak Up for State Parks on their 100th Birthday

Mar 28, 2013

Washington State Parks turn 100 this year, and they're showing their age. Please call your state senator and ask them to reinvest in our state parks.

Whatcom Welcomes New Forested Park

Mar 13, 2013

In great news for hikers, Whatcom County Council approved a new park for the county with a vote of 5-2 last night. The new Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve Park, at almost 8,844 acres, will be one of the largest local parks in the nation.

What Sequestration Means for Hikers

Mar 06, 2013

Last week, when our elected officials in Washington, DC decided not to act on a "sequestration" deadline, they set in motion a set of fiscal cutbacks that could dramatically impact hiking and other recreation on federal lands. Seasonal hiring for the backcountry, trail work, reduced hours and even closures are a stake in this latest showdown.

The Legislature: What's In, What's Out, What's Next

Feb 28, 2013

WTA runs down the status of bills in Olympia pertaining to the Discover Pass and hikers.

Outdoor Recreation Boosts Washington's Economy

Feb 21, 2013

According to the Outdoor Industry Association the outdoor industry in Washington State is responsible for $22.5 billion in direct sales, $7.1 billion in wages and salaries, $1.6 billion in tax revenues and 226,000 jobs.

WTA Visits The Other Washington

Feb 22, 2013

Four members of Washington Trails Association's board and staff visited Washington, DC last week and met with both U.S. Senators, seven members of Washington's Congressional delegation and key staff from the remaining three Congressional districts about recreation funding issues.

WTA Releases State Of Access Report

Feb 13, 2013

WTA today released State of Access: The Future of Roads on Public Lands. In an era of major storm events, budget cuts and environmental sustainability, this report is a tool to help land managers and the hiking community assess which roads to fix and which roads to let go.