Washington Trails Association has already begun working with legislators in Olympia for safer trails and more trail maintenance and wildland protections in the year to come, but they can't do it alone. Decisionmakers also need to hear directly from hikers. Your elected officials need to know that their constituents want safer trails and wildlands protections, access to trails and adequate funding for maintenance.

On January 29, 2009, hikers from across the state will come together in Olympia to speak out for trails. The day is a fun and easy way to get involved. In a morning workshop, participants will learn how to lobby elected officials and get an overview about the issues of the day. Then it is off to the Capitol to meet with your legislators and put these new skills to use. WTA sets up your meetings and provides you all the training and information you need all you have to do is show up and talk about your love of hiking. It is a great way to help making Washington's backcountry even better.

If you want to make yourself heard by being a participant of Hiker Lobby Day, visit the WTA website for more information and to RSVP.