Call Your Representative, Save Federal Trail Funding

Help keep our trail maintenance program fixing trails, like this section of the Pacific Crest Trail near Snoqualmie Pass. Photo by David Johnson.

UPDATE Nov. 4: Victory! You did it. Because of your calls, both of the amendments threatening the Recreational Trails Program did not move forward with the bill. Thank you to everyone who called or emailed your representative to share how much trails mean to you.

________________________

ORIGINAL POST:

This week the U.S. House is set to consider the Transportation Bill (H.R. 3763). Two amendments on the bill have been offered that have the potential to impact trails here in Washington in a big way -- they would eliminate the Recreational Trails Program.

We need you to take three minutes and contact your representative and tell them how much this funding means to Washington's hikers.

The program at stake is the Recreational Trails Program. It provides funding that can be awarded to federal or state agencies as well as nonprofit organizations (like Washington Trails Association) that provide volunteer trail maintenance on federal lands. The RTP funding is critical to our trail maintenance program’s success.

Take action for trails now:

Please call your representative, and:

1. Ask them to reject any amendment (including Amendment #69 introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia and Amendment #158 introduced by Rep. Ted Yoho of Florida) that would remove the Recreational Trails Program from the Transportation Bill.
2. Remind them that the Recreational Trails Program is important to you and how you use trails here in Washington.

Never called your Representative before?

It's easy, and calling or meeting with your representatives is one of the most effective ways to be heard.

First, look up who your representative is and get his or her contact information. (All you need is your street address and zipcode.)

Make the call. You will sometimes be able to speak directly to your representative, but more often you will speak to a staff person in the member's office, who will track how many people called about an issue.

Introduce yourself, tell them why you are calling and what issue you are calling about. For example:

Hi, my name is _____. I live in ____, and I am an avid hiker. I use the hiking trails around my house and the state all summer and fall. I'm calling to ensure that the Recreational Trails Program funding remains in the Transportation Bill. Please reject any amendment, including Amendments #69 and #158, that eliminates the Recreational Trails Program. Thank you. 

That's it! Thank you so much for taking the time to protect trails.

Learn more about the impact of the Recreational Trails Program

• Federal Program Triples Trails Investments, Needs Your Support for the Future