Hiker Headlines: Federal and State Government News, St. Helens at Risk, Lunar Eclipse

It’s Jan. 17. The state legislature headed back to work this week. The federal government, well, it’s still partially shutdown. And hope for clear nights — because there’s a lunar eclipse coming.

Here’s some hiker news that you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The state legislature is back in session — and we're in Olympia working for hikers. Photo by Stephen Colebourne. 

Enough with the shutdown. We’re tired of it. You’re tired of it. Federal workers who aren’t getting paid are really tired of it. The partial closure of the federal government is causing problems across the country — including for WTA and our partners. We joined the Outdoor Alliance for Kids in calling for an end to the shutdown. And in the meantime? Thank you for being extra careful of our public lands.

Working for you: The state legislative session began on Monday. And that means WTA is down in Olympia as well, working for hikers like you. We have some high hopes for trails funding and public lands. Having hiker voices heard by state representatives is critical, so please join us for Hiker Rally Day on Feb. 19.

Mount St. Helens is at risk from mining. Again. Late last year, a judge gave the okay for a mining company to begin exploratory drilling near Goat Mountain in the Green River Valley. For years, WTA, hikers and activists have been working to protect the area, which is at the edge of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. It’s a popular area for hiker, bikers, horseback riders and other folks who like to enjoy being outdoors. We’re disappointed to see this going forward and even more worried by the potential for full-scale mining operations. We’ll keep following this news, and let you know if and when we need you to speak up.

Now for a bit of good news: The new majority in the U.S. House has recognized the value of public lands. A rule that made it easier to sell public lands — by considering public lands valueless for the sake of budgetary rules — has been overturned. We’re pleased to see it, because we know the value of public lands is immeasurable for public health and recreation. And the value is measurable — and vast — for the economy.

It’s going to be super: Hope for clear skies on Sunday night. If the weather cooperates, you’ll be able to see a full lunar eclipse. In Washington, it will begin about 6:30 p.m., peak about 9:15 p.m. and last until about 10:50 p.m. (Of course, the exact times depend upon where you are.) Sounds like an ideal time to try a moonlight hike. (And if you go? We want to hear about it in a trip report! And see photos, too.)

What’s in a name? The Eastside Rail Corridor— which connects Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville and Redmond — will soon have a new, snappier name. And you could help pick it.

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