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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Governor Inslee Makes Outdoor Recreation a Priority
Feb 20, 2014
“Outdoor recreation is an underappreciated part of our economy,” said Governor Inslee yesterday. Inslee has created a blue ribbon task force to look at ways to support the outdoor recreation industry and increase funding for recreation areas. A special focus will be placed on getting people, especially youth and families, engaged in outdoor activities.
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Winter Adventures: A Weekend in Photos
Feb 19, 2014
From the dramatic winter waves of the Pacific to snow-dusted oaks in the canyons of Central Washington, find fresh ideas for getting outdoors by following in the footsteps of trip reporters who faithfully reported their adventures over President's day weekend.
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We Wrote You a Valentine's Poem
Feb 13, 2014
It may be cheesy, but we don't care. The truth is that we love you and Washington's trails. Hikers, trail runners, volunteers, members and supporters: you're the heart and soul of this community.
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Obama Administration Supports Green Mountain Lookout
Feb 12, 2014
The Obama Administration announced its support to for the legislation to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness, but the fate of the lookout remains unclear.
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Spread the Word: Scholarships for Teens on Trail
Feb 03, 2014
Every teen should have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, which is why WTA offers scholarships for teens 14-18 to participate in our Youth Volunteer Vacation trips, a week of camping and participation on a team-oriented trail crew.
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Video: Who Walks On Trail When You're Not There?
Jan 31, 2014
Who travels on trails when you're not there? Our neighbors to the north stitched together four months of (delightful) footage from a remote camera focused on a closed trail in Waterton Lakes National Park (north of Glacier National Park).
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Nature on Trail: Snowy Owl, Elk, Western Redcedar
Jan 29, 2014
Northwest forests are teeming with life -- much of which may go overlooked or unseen. On your next hike, look out for the little things and discover something new on your favorite trails.
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Hiker + Scrambler: Stronger Skills Over Rock and Snow
Jan 28, 2014
Any hiker who wants a structured, safe environment to dip their toes into beginner technical skills -- like navigating over ice and snow -- might find a scrambling class a good place to start. Registration closes on some upcoming classes starting Feb. 2.
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Hack your Volunteer Vacation
Jan 28, 2014
Make your volunteer vacation even cushier with these tips from seasoned volunteer Hal Pelton.
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Preview These Awesome Backcountry Trips Now!
Jan 24, 2014
Take a peek at our amazing locations for the 2014 season of backcountry trail work.
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GORP is Good for You
Jan 22, 2014
Hikers have known for years that adding nuts to the mix can boost energy and help you recharge on trail. Some recent research suggests that adding nuts to the mix and snacking on them throughout the day (even off-trail) can lead to a longer, healthier life.
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How 16 Photographers Captured the Winning Shots
Jan 15, 2014
The winning photographers of WTA's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest share how they captured these stunning shots.
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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?
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Links to Track the Aurora Borealis
Jan 09, 2014
Rain and snow may not be ideal conditions for spotting the Northern Lights, which are forecast to appear tonight. Use these six links to stay on the heels of the magnetic light show anyway.
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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.
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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."
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2014: Plan Your Wild Adventures
Dec 30, 2013
Are you setting your goals for 2014? Use the ideas below to jump-start your trail adventures, from first hikes in Washington to tackling some epic trails.
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Photos: A Week of Winter Hiking in Washington
Dec 23, 2013
From epic sunsets to icy waterfalls, these photos from trip reporters show the hidden loveliness you can find on a winter hike in Washington state. Get inspired to get outside.
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Highest Charity Rating for WTA (Again!)
Dec 23, 2013
Charity Navigator, the nation's leading charity evaluator, released a new rating for Washington Trails Association yesterday. What did we earn? A 4-star rating—again! That's their highest possible rating. WTA earns top marks for sound fiscal management and for our commitment to accountability and transparency.
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Santa, Elves Crash WTA Trail Work Parties
Dec 20, 2013
At WTA, we're serious about trails. Rain or shine, our dedicated trail crews worked hard on 190 trails statewide this year. That is some serious trail work, but that doesn't mean we always have to be serious on trail. Case in point: our annual Santa work parties, when things tend to get a little more fun and festive than usual.
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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.
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