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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Landmark Legislation Puts Funding for LWCF and Federal Trail Maintenance Backlog in Reach
Mar 12, 2020
Landmark legislation for federal public lands has been introduced in the Senate. The Great American Outdoors Act includes both permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and billions of dollars to address the maintenance backlog on federal lands. Keep up-to-date on this historic moment!
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We Hike to Heal Celebrates Women, Nature and Community
Mar 09, 2020
The monthlong event culminates with a virtual event with hiking, meditation and journaling.
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Hiker Headlines: Discover Passes in Libraries and Science Shows We Need Nature
Mar 05, 2020
It's March 5. A bill passed the Legislature to provide Discover Passes to libraries. A new study reinforces the importance of nature to people's health, especially in urban areas. The Cowiche Canyon area needs help. And King County will offer transit passes, which cover Trailhead Direct, to people making below the poverty level.
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The State of the State Budget
Mar 02, 2020
We are already entering the home stretch of the 2020 legislative session. Last week, the state Senate and House of Representatives released their proposed budgets, giving us our first look at how the Legislature will fund our priorities with this year’s supplemental budget. Here’s an update on key budget items for hikers to know.
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Hiker Headlines: Rainer Re-Opens, Dog Mountain Permits, Middle Fork Snoqualmie by Mid-Summer?
Feb 27, 2020
You can visit Longmire and Paradise in Mount Rainier again. And if you’d like to hike Dog Mountain on a spring weekend, you’ll need to get a permit. Officials say mid-summer is the earliest the Middle Fork Snoqualmie landslide damage will be repaired. Our youth ambassadors talk to legislators.
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Making Sure No Child Is Left Inside
Feb 25, 2020
The No Child Left Inside program provides important grants to outdoor education and recreation programs for youth in Washington. Learn more about the program and how you can ensure its continued success.
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Hiker Headlines: Trails are a Must Have, New Route to Nature, Navy Wants to Use State Parks
Feb 20, 2020
A new study shows that investing in trails could pay off in a big way for states. A new, safe route lets folks more easily hike to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. And you can have your say about the Navy's request to use state parks for train.
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Trail Work 101: An Easy Intro for New Volunteers
Feb 18, 2020
Curious what trail work is about? Come join us to learn how to maintain trails in a low-key supportive environment.
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You Had Me at Let's Go Hiking: 4 Valentine Cards for Hikers
Feb 14, 2020
Send your hiking valentine something special this year.
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Hiker Headlines: Trail and Road Damage, Advocacy in D.C., New ADA Trail
Feb 13, 2020
It's Feb. 13, 2020. Recent storms have caused widespread flooding and landslides, affecting communities, roads and trails. Washington Trails Association's advocacy director was in Washington, D.C., this week working for hikers like you. A new accessible trail has opened up near the Tri-Cities. And wild areas in the Olympics are closer to getting protection.
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The Great Spider Meadows Boot Return
Feb 12, 2020
Just another great story of hikers in Washington being awesome to each other.
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Yikes. Flooding, Landslides Foreshadow a Rough Year Ahead for Trails, Roads
Feb 12, 2020
It will be several months before land managers can fully assess the damage to roads and backcountry trail infrastructure from recent storms, but the season ahead might be one for the record books.
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From Washington State to Washington D.C.: We’re Working for Hikers Like You
Feb 11, 2020
This year, we teamed up with trail groups from all over the country to Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C. and advocate for trails and public lands. Here are the important federal issues and bills we support and talked to our Washington lawmakers about.
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Creating The Ultimate Hike Planning Checklist
Feb 10, 2020
The be-all-end-all guide to shake off the winter doldrums and make a hiking checklist for your adventures.
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Hiker Headlines: Backcountry Trips, Restored Woodlands, Snow Safety, Have Your Say
Feb 06, 2020
It's Feb. 6, 2020. Registration opens Saturday for our backcountry volunteer trips. An oak woodland is being restored — along with a trail system. The recent weather is a good time to remind folks about safety. And that state would like to hear your thoughts on Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area.
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Now You Can Search by Pass in WTA's Hiking Guide
Feb 05, 2020
Hikers can now include passes, like the Discover Pass or the Northwest Forest Pass when you search for where to hike on wta.org. This means you’ll be able to find your perfect hike on the public lands you already have a pass for.
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Watch: Youth Volunteers Explain Why They Love WTA's Volunteer Vacations
Jan 31, 2020
Every summer, teens head out on trail with WTA to have some fun and get some work done. The youth volunteer vacations are a great way to make friends, learn new skills and earn service hours. Teen volunteers share their experiences and offers some advice for new volunteers.
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Hiker Headlines: WTA Testifies in Olympia, King County Trails, Olympic Backcountry Permits
Jan 30, 2020
It's Jan. 30, 2020. WTA spoke in a legislative committee this week to share the results of a study on the benefits of trails. Use King County regional trails? Share how you think they should be used. You can already start applying for summer backpacking permits in Olympic National Park.
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Get Ready to Sign Up for Backcountry Trips
Jan 28, 2020
Our volunteer trail maintenance trips will be released on Jan. 31, and will open for registration on Feb. 8. Here's the low-down for a great summer vacation trip with WTA.
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Nature on Trail: Roosevelt Elk, Western Redcedar
Jan 24, 2020
Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the Roosevelt Elk and Western Redcedar, and where you can find them.
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Hiker Headlines: Lots of Trail Work, Legislative Session and Trip Reports
Jan 23, 2020
It’s Jan. 23. WTA has already done a ton of trail work this year. We’re keeping busy down at the state Capitol. And we are extremely grateful for all of your great trip reports. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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