Our Collective Voices

Spring is once again in the air, and with it a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. I’ve been spending a lot more time out on trail these days — with members of our community, staff and program participants — and it’s always so inspiring to hear stories of how people came to be involved with WTA and what the outdoor community means to them.

WTA was founded with a vision of hikers being able to change the world, and over the years we have grown and found new ways to connect people with opportunities to give back to trails and public lands. From our expanded advocacy efforts to our statewide trail maintenance program to our growing community partnerships, there are so many examples of the power of people coming together to change the world for the better.

Last month, more than 100 hikers signed up for Hiker Rally Day. It was amazing to see people from across the state speak up in support of policies that protect and improve our public lands and outdoor spaces. We had more than 100 virtual meetings with elected officials from 40 districts across the state, giving them an opportunity to hear firsthand the transformative power of trails. We celebrated last year’s legislative wins — including the $30 million in annual funding we were able to unlock for trail maintenance — and we rallied support for key policies to continue that positive momentum. So many of our elected officials mentioned how helpful it is for them to see and feel the support of the hiking community around these priorities.

The efforts of WTA’s advocates are being noticed all the way to the other Washington. In February, I traveled to Washington, D.C., for a number of meetings with our federal and congressional partners, including the heads of both the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. In almost every conversation, people pointed to the work being done in Washington state as an example of what can be achieved by a strong, connected community of people passionate about and willing to speak up for the outdoors.

The legislative session recently came to an end and we are delighted that our top two priorities were fully funded (page 9). Our collective voices showed that people care about trails here in Washington. By supporting WTA, you are a vital part of this growing hiking community. You are a part of these solutions and a part of their success. So thank you!

And I hope you, too, are feeling that sense of energy and revitalization that spring brings. Because together we can — and do — make a positive difference for trails.

With gratitude,

Washington Trails Association 705 Second Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104 206-625-1367 • wta.org

General Information | wta@wta.org

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Editorial Submissions | editor@wta.org

Meet all our staff at wta.org/staff

Jaime

Loucky | Chief executive officer | jaimel@wta.org