WTA Hiker Rally Day Recap

Every two years the Washington Trails Association conducts “Hiker Rally Day” to speak up for funding of trails and public lands to our lawmakers in Olympia.  Prior to COVID-19, meetings were in-person with representatives and senators in their offices in Olympia.  This year, and in 2021, the meetings were conducted virtually, and alas, we humans have figured out how to make that work reasonably well. 

I happen to live in the fifth legislative district, represented by Bill Ramos and Lisa Callan.  To illustrate how the event is conducted, here is our session with representative Ramos, supported by a WTA facilitator and a fellow 5th district advocate:

Virtual meeting with Representative Bill Ramos.

More than 70 people from 40 state legislative districts participated in the event. 

This year, the WTA emphasized two budget line items:

• Maintaining $30m per biennium ongoing ($10m per agency) for the Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Washington State Parks to help address their recreation lands maintenance backlog

• Advancing equity in the outdoors through professional development opportunities (Emerging Leaders Program)

Those two points provided some focus, but you can learn about the broader WTA legislative agenda here: WTA Legislative Agenda

There Must be 50 Ways to Be an Advocate

Perhaps you are looking for ways to get involved as an advocate for trails and public lands.  The club has various initiatives underway, the most prominent being the Save Coal Creek effort, but there are other opportunities that you can learn about on our advocacy page:  IATC Advocacy

And our partner organizations, such as the WTA, have advocacy opportunities, of which “Hiker Rally Day” is just one example.  Learn more about the WTA advocacy efforts here: WTA Advocacy

Opportunities abound. Let your voice be heard!