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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Print-Your-Own: New Northwest Forest Pass Option
Apr 16, 2014
Beginning this month, hikers can purchase and print a day pass for trailheads where you need a Northwest Forest Pass. It's a convenient option for spur-of-the-moment adventures on trails in Washington's National Forests, from Mount Baker to Mount Adams.
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Help the Darrington Ranger District Prepare for Summer
Apr 08, 2014
The recent mudslide on Highway 530 has employees with the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest working round the clock. In addition to their full-time jobs with the forest, many of them are volunteering their spare time to help in recovery efforts for the community of Oso.
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Green Mountain Lookout Bill Passes Congress
Apr 07, 2014
The U.S. House has joined the Senate in passing legislation to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness. The bill will now go to President Obama for signature.
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Murray, Cantwell Secure Unanimous Senate Passage of Green Mountain Lookout Bill
Apr 03, 2014
Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness. The House could take up the bill as soon as next week.
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Closures on Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road
Apr 03, 2014
While the paving of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road is welcome news for hikers who use the route to reach their favorite trails, the project will cause some closures and delays. Here's what you need to know.
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Will Your Company Take the Earth Day Challenge?
Apr 02, 2014
WTA, EarthShare Washington and 35 other environmental non-profits in Washington state have issued a challenge to Washington companies this month: Raise $50,000 and volunteer 1,000 hours in 16 day to benefit Washington environmental charities and make a real impact on our environment.
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Meet the New Backcountry Experts on WTA's Volunteer Crews
Apr 01, 2014
This summer, WTA is adding some true trail experts to our volunteer vacation crews. We'll have specially trained animals helping us with logouts, brushing, and even in-camp duties like KP!
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Choosing the Right Hiking Boots for Your Kids
Mar 31, 2014
Selecting kids’ hiking gear is as much about fit and performance as it is matching their personality. We hit the trail with three little ones to hand-pick a selection of kids’ hiking boots: the Salomon XA Pro 2 K trail runners, Lowa Kody GTX Mid Kids and the Vasque Breeze 2.0 WP boots.
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Nature on Trail: Western Tanager, Mule Deer, Western Hemlock
Mar 31, 2014
Northwest forests are teeming with life -- much of which may go overlooked or unseen. On your next hike, look out for the western tanager songbird, the big ears of the mule deer and Washington's official tree, the western hemlock.
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Officials: Please Steer Clear of Mountain Loop
Mar 27, 2014
As response efforts at the devastating mudslide on Highway 530 continue, Snohomish County and U.S. Forest Service officials are urging people to stay clear of the area.
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Apply for a Mount Rainier Wilderness Permit by April 1
Mar 26, 2014
Wilderness backpacking in Mount Rainier National Park or hiking the Wonderland Trail always requires planning ahead. But with the deadline fast approaching and application numbers way above normal, here are some tips to help you apply for your wilderness permit in the next few days.
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Help Olympic National Park Plan for Wilderness Management
Mar 26, 2014
Learn about Olympic National Park draft plans for managing the park’s wilderness on everything from trails to bear canisters to self-registration stations. Then, find out how to weigh in.
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Hacking your Oatmeal
Mar 19, 2014
Fresh takes on a backpacking staple. Get some ideas and find ways to add an energy-boost to your next trail menu.
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Enchanted Valley Chalet Threatened by East Fork Quinault River
Mar 19, 2014
A change in the river's course has put the iconic 80-year-old structure's future into question.
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2014 Legislative Session: How Trails Fared
Mar 14, 2014
How did trails and recreation fare in the state legislature? The short, 60-day legislative session ended in Olympia late last night with a few important bills that impact hikers making it across the finish line just in time. Here’s a brief look at some of those bills that are currently awaiting Governor Inslee’s signature to become law.
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WTA Appointed to Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee
Mar 13, 2014
WTA is part of a twenty-member advisory group that has been appointed to help Washington State departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife develop a management plan for the Teanaway Community Forest, located in the Teanaway River valley of Kittitas County.
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Backcountry Havens: 5 BCRTs that Need Your Help
Mar 11, 2014
Below are listed five 2014 BCRT locations that could use a few more enthusiastic crew members.
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End of an Era: Olympic Big Cedar Tree Splits in Two
Mar 10, 2014
Over the weekend, an Olympic giant, one of the largest western red cedars in the world, split during a storm. While the news feels like a loss, the fallen segment will have an important future nourishing the unique ecosystem of the rainforest floor.
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Slideshow: Bonding and Building Trails in a New Community
Mar 06, 2014
With help from WTA's gear lending library and mini-grants, a group of teens with the Coalition of Refugees from Burma gave back to Washington's trails and got to know each other better as they built a new section of trail on Cougar Mountain.
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Ready-Made Vacations: 5 Backcountry Trails That Need Your Help
Feb 26, 2014
If you're looking for a rewarding, challenging and fun vacation this summer and you love camping, take a look at these five WTA volunteer vacations. These are week-long work parties that connect hikers with much-needed trail maintenance projects in beautiful locations throughout Washington.
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Newest 'Orange Hats' Lend a Helping Hand on Trail
Feb 21, 2014
Meet the five new assistant crew leaders, or 'orange hats,' who you might meet on a volunteer work party this summer.
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