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!

Trails Activists Hike in Olympia Today

Feb 01, 2012

Program that Helps Fund Volunteer Vacations on the Chopping Block

Jan 31, 2012

Dueling federal Surface Transportation Funding bills create uncertainly for the Recreation Trails Program that helps fund Washington Trails Association's Volunteer Vacations, Backcountry Response Teams and Youth trail work.

SB 5977 Passes Senate!

Jan 27, 2012

SP 5977, the bill that would allow two license plates to share a Discover Pass, passed the Washington State Senate by a vote of 44-0 on January 27, 2012.

The Impacts of Ranger Layoffs

Jan 12, 2012

In the week between Christmas and New Year's, 83 Washington State Parks rangers were handed pink slips in the first wave of layoffs spurred by agency revenue shortfalls. Maintaining and patrolling State Parks in the absence of full-time rangers will be a major challenge in the coming year.

Planning For The Future Of Recreation in the Snoqualmie Corridor

Jan 10, 2012

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching a planning process that will culminate in a plan to manage DNR recreation, conservation and trust lands. This is a great opportunity to get involved the long-term outlook for some of our most prized hiking lands!

State Legislative Session Kicks off Today

Jan 09, 2012

Special Session Adjourns

Dec 15, 2011

The Washington State legislature adjourned its special session during the hearing that was taking up vehicle transferability for the Discover Pass. We expect that this bill will move in 2012.

Legislation Would Make Discover Pass Transferable Between Vehicles

Dec 09, 2011

Senator Kevin Ranker has introduced a bill that would allow each purchaser of a Discover Pass to use it on two vehicles, effective immediately. The legislation applies to current pass holders as well as future ones.

State Parks To Cut 161 Jobs

Dec 07, 2011

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted yesterday on a budget proposal that would result in the loss of 161 jobs at the agency. WTA explores what that would mean for hikers.

A "Transferable" Discover Pass?

Nov 17, 2011

Agencies that manage the state Discover Pass are very likely to deliver a transferable pass in 2012. There are several forms this could take, which will depend on administrative challenges and revenue impacts inherent in each proposal..

Roadless Rule Upheld By 10th Circuit

Oct 24, 2011

The Roadless Area Conservation Policy, a Clinton-era rule that set 58.5 million acres nationwide (more than 2 million in Washington) aside from road-building, was upheld by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday.

RTP Extended Until March 31

Oct 13, 2011

Congress has extended the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) through March 2012. RTP provides funds to states for the development and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities and is a major source of WTA's trail work funding.

Suiattle River Road Open House: September 15

Sep 09, 2011

The Forest Service is looking for public input about rebuilding the Suiattle River Road at an open house on the Darrington Ranger Station on Thursday, September 15.

WTA Meets with Rep. Herrera Beutler to Discuss Trail Funding

Aug 25, 2011

WTA and other user groups met last week with Representative Jaime Herrera Buetler (3rd district) to discuss trails funding.

Post Game Recap: Seattle Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville Forest Planning Meeting

Aug 17, 2011

On Saturday, August 13, 70 people turned out in Seattle to gather information about the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests' efforts to rewrite their forest plans. WTA Advocacy Director learned some interesting things about how the agency plans to address wilderness and the backlog of trail maintenance projects.

The World Belongs To Those Who Show Up

Aug 09, 2011

The Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests are holding a public meeting at the Seattle Mountaineers this Saturday, August 13, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. The event will be followed by a community cookout, sponsored by The Mountaineers, The Sierra Club, WTA, Conservation Northwest and Washington Wilderness Coalition.

Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests take the next step

Jul 18, 2011

The Okanogan-Wenatchee-Colville National Forests have recently released a Proposed Action - the first step in establishing a new Forest Plan that will govern activities for the next 15 years. This is the best time for hikers to be involved in the process.

Discover Pass Starts July 1

Jun 29, 2011

It's time to buy another pass for your glove compartment. Starting July 1, the Discover Pass will be required at all state parks, recreation areas and wildlife lands

New Trails in Wild Sky?

Jul 11, 2011

The newly-minted Wild Sky Wilderness has a trails plan for new hiking trails. It's open for public comment until October 1, 2011.

Paving the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road?

Jun 27, 2011

A public open house on June 10th puts us one step closer to making the paving of the Middle Fork - Snoqualmie Road a reality.

WWRP receives $42 million

Jun 13, 2011

he Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) was allocated $42 million this legislative session.

NOVA Restored

Jun 08, 2011

Suiattle Road Repairs Halted

Jun 02, 2011

Federal agencies have decided to end their plans to repair the Suiattle River Road in the face of a lawsuit from two organizations that challenged the project. The road, which provides west side access to the Glacier peak Wilderness, has been washed out in places since massive flooding damaged the road in 2003 and 2006.

Lawsuit May Halt Repairs of Suiattle Road

May 09, 2011

Two organizations, the North Cascades Conservation Council and Pilchuck Audubon Society, represented by the Western Environmental Law Center, are suing to halt work on the Suiattle River Road repair project.

Discover Pass Victory

Apr 22, 2011

The Discover Pass has been enacted by the Washington state legislature, and now awaits only the signature of Governor Gregoire to be signed into law. What hikers did to ensure that state recreation lands stay open this year.

Senate Passes SB 5622!

Apr 20, 2011

The Washington State Senate has passed the Discover Pass bill, which would fund recreation for Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Natural Resources and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. It's now awaiting a House vote. Call today to urge your representatives to pass this legislation.

Road Closures on the MBS

Apr 13, 2011

There is a long list of summer road closures on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. WTA explores what hikes will be off-limits in 2011.

Government Shutdown? The Impacts to Hikers

Apr 06, 2011

The threat of a federal government shutdown this Friday has us wondering: what will this means for hikers and trails on our public lands? Here are some answers.

Senate Hearing Next Step in Passages of State Lands Bill

Mar 31, 2011

On March 30, 2011 the Senate Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on SB 5622. The Committee seems interested in moving the bill forward, but that likely won't happen until a couple of amendments are considered.

Forest Rule Open House on Wednesday

Mar 21, 2011

Attend a forest rule open house on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Seattle's Sheraton Hotel to weigh in on NFMA regulation changes.