Signpost Blog
"This little newsletter has been an experiment so far, testing a hunch I've had that such a means of communication among walkers is needed." — Signpost magazine, 1966.
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Nature on Trail: American Dipper, Skunk Cabbage
Mar 15, 2018
Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two common species, the American Dipper and Skunk Cabbage, and where you can find them.
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Roadless Rule in Danger, Threatens Undeveloped Forest Service Land
Mar 14, 2018
The United States Senate has taken measures that may undermine the power of the Roadless Rule, threatening protections on millions of acres of forests across the country and here in Washington.
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2018 Legislative Victories: State Invests in Trails and Public Lands
Mar 13, 2018
The state legislature wrapped-up the 2018 session on March 8, and there's plenty for hikers and trail advocates to celebrate.
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King County Announces Second Season for Trailhead Direct
Mar 09, 2018
After a successful pilot season for the Trailhead Direct, King County has announced the program will continue in 2018 with hopes of expanding.
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When a Tree Falls in the Woods ... Reducing Your Risk from Falling Trees
Mar 05, 2018
Has it been raining a lot lately? Are there seriously strong gusts? Are you walking through an area with a lot of dead trees? These simple questions can help you stay aware of your risks from falling trees.
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Plan Your Perfect Hike: Tips from the Hiking Guide Manager
Feb 28, 2018
There's lot of planning that goes into creating your perfect hike or backpacking trip. Get tips from WTA's hiking guide manager to be as prepared as a pro.
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Trail Maintenance Help Coming to the Methow
Feb 26, 2018
The Methow Valley Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest selected by USDA as one of 15 priority areas to help address the $314 million trail maintenance backlog on forests.
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5 Tips to Stay Dry and Cozy
Feb 26, 2018
Cold and wet spring weather brings unique obstacles to hiking or snowshoeing. Though the weather might be less forgiving than in sunny summer, with the right planning and preparation you can ensure that your outing will be enjoyable.
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10 Tips to Take Better Photos in the Rain
Feb 26, 2018
Living in the northwest means plenty of rainy days. Use these tips to protect your gear and take some stunning photos, even on the soggiest days.
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Youth Volunteers Restore Years of Neglect on Ingalls Creek Trail
Feb 23, 2018
This past summer, a group of 10 dedicated teens spent sixteen days camped beside Ingalls Creek, improving one of the key access routes to the Stuart Range and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
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Winter Ready Gear
Feb 23, 2018
To be a sage hiker, you need some basic gear: a raincoat, maybe some rain pants or a rain wrap. But what about other gear that will keep you warm and dry in the winter? We've been testing some new gear that can make your winter hikes a lot mroe fun. Here are some of our favorites.
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Outdoor Recreation is Worth $373 Billion to the GDP
Feb 22, 2018
A new government report shows that the outdoor recreation economy is 2 percent of the GDP—and growing.
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Online Hiking Community Comes Together to Make a Difference on Trail
Feb 21, 2018
Last week, 24 members of the local online hiking community, Pacific Northwest Outdoor Women, braved the rain and near-freezing temps for a day of trail work on the Grand Ridge trail in the Issaquah Highlands.
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Speak Up: Management Planning for Monte Cristo
Feb 16, 2018
This year the Forest Service will be developing a management plan for the old mining town of Monte Cristo and is seeking public input to help influence what that plan will include.
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Calling All WTA Ambassadors
Feb 16, 2018
Want to be a champion for trails and public lands? Apply to be a WTA Ambassador and take your volunteerism to a new level. You’ll help WTA be a voice for hikers statewide by doing outreach and advocacy in your local community.
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Speak Up for Trails in Whatcom County
Feb 15, 2018
Want to see more hiking between Bellingham and Mount Baker in the coming years? Attend one of these upcoming meetings and share your thoughts.
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Where are They Now? Simon van Tulder, Youth Ambassador
Feb 15, 2018
Learn how a past Youth Ambassador is using his leadership development to further his passion for engineering.
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Forest Service Gives Green Light for Exploratory Drilling on Goat Mountain
Feb 14, 2018
Despite public support for protecting Goat Mountain and the recreational opportunities it offers, the Forest Service recently announced their final decision to allow the mine prospecting to move forward.
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Landscapes of Love: Stitching Our Stories into Wild Places
Feb 14, 2018
When we make our memories on trails and in wild places, they take on a kind of permanence and heft, long after we’ve packed up our tents and gone.
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Lake Serene Closed Until July 1
Feb 08, 2018
This popular trail in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will be closed until the first of July due to nearby logging activity.
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An Effort to Clear the Path in Goat Rocks Wilderness
Feb 07, 2018
Years of storm damage, fallen trees and road washouts have dwindled the Goat Rocks accessibility to a handful of trailheads. WTA volunteer trail maintenance crews spent weeks throughout the summer working across the Goat Rocks trail system, clearing logs, fixing tread and roughing-in re-routes in the hopes of expanding the number of available trails and dispersing hikers to lessen the impact on this delicate ecosystem.
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