Improving Access to the Outdoors
There are many reasons why people can’t get to their favorite trails — or to any trail at all. Some might be more obvious, like degraded forest roads that have become impassable or not having access to a vehicle. Other barriers, like financial means or exposure to the outdoors as a child, are not. Through our long-term planning efforts and support of inclusive policies and programs, WTA’s advocacy work aims to break down barriers, physical and otherwise.
There are many reasons why people can’t get to their favorite trails — or to any trail at all. Some might be more obvious, like degraded forest roads that have become impassable or not having access to a vehicle. Other barriers, like financial means or exposure to the outdoors as a child, are not. Through our long-term planning efforts and support of inclusive policies and programs, WTA’s advocacy work aims to break down barriers, physical and otherwise.
We help to improve access through:
- Creative public transit and transportation solutions.
We work with a variety of partners and agencies to promote Trailhead Direct, a Seattle-area bus service providing transit from the city to local trails. In 2022, we partnered with Pierce County Transit and ForeverGreen Trails to support transit use to trailheads on Pierce County Trails Day as an effort to bring greater public transit connections to greenspaces in the area. We regularly support “Transit to Trails” legislation on both local and national levels. - Supporting policy and programs for youth to get outside.
We support Every Kid Outdoors at the national level and No Child Left Inside at the state level, two programs that provide ways for more children to have access to the outdoors. We supported Washington Outdoors Schools for All in the 2022 legislature to secure equitable opportunity for outdoor learning for students in Washington. - Building and reimagining trail systems.
We work with local stakeholders, land managers, and organizations to bring together diverse coalitions for sustainable recreation — like our work on the beloved Mountain Loop Highway, in the West Fork Teanaway, throughout the Carbon River Corridor and around the Silver Star area. - Advocating for funding and maintenance for roads to trailheads.
WTA advocates for investment in roads that will preserve and expand recreational opportunities across the state, including supporting national legislation like the Legacy Roads and Trails Program. - Removing financial and other barriers that have historically prevented people from enjoying the outdoors.
We advocated for the creation of the Outdoor Recreation Equity grant program in 2021, which builds capacity in communities across the state to provide recreation opportunities for all their residents. We regularly participate in discussions where we advocate for user management decisions that consider equity and access implications, like permitting. Enjoying the outdoors includes the ability to see yourself represented in outdoor recreation. In the 2023 legislative session, we secured new funding for our Emerging Leaders Program, a partnership with Washington State Parks, to create leadership opportunities for people historically excluded from the outdoor recreation sector.
How you help:
- Sign up for our Trail Action Network to improve access to public lands for everyone.
- Learn how we're clearing paths to nature and welcoming everyone. You can also support our work with a donation.