Advocacy Update: Skagit Trail Builders attends the Washington State Trails Caucus

“Hey! I know you!”

JT of Skagit Trail Builders ran into Sterling of Pacific Northwest Trail Association at the Washington State Trails Caucus on Mercer Island. (PNTA’s office is located in Sedro Woolley, right behind the Bull Pen Bar and Grill!)

Trail advocates and representatives from organizations and agencies gathered to discuss statewide planning, grant opportunities, active transportation, community equity, accessibility, and some pretty amazing projects.

Presenters included:

Miles Hike Club
Sahale Outdoors
Youth Experiential Training Institute (YETI)
Pierce County Parks & Recreation
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation | Heritage Walking Path
Puget Sound to Pacific Coalition
Washington State Department of Transportation

It’s no secret that trails are an important part of community health – a place to walk, run, ride, or just be outdoors (it’s why we do what we do!). But there is a lot more to the statewide plan than recreational use.

Pathways that connect communities provide safe transportation routes for pedestrians and cyclists. (Think about walking on a road with no shoulder or sidewalk).

You can support the development of community trails and pathways by:

1. Becoming a trail volunteer

2. Serving on an advisory committee or board

Skagit Trail Builders (our advisory committee meets the second Saturday of each month at lunch during the regularly scheduled work party)
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
Skagit County

3. Responding to surveys

If you are asked to fill out a survey about your local park, public lands, conservation, transportation, etc – do it! Your input is valuable and helps steer funding decisions both locally and at the state level.

4. Donating to an organization close to your heart

5. Applying for jobs and internships with organizations developing and maintaining trail systems!

Pacific Northwest Trail Association Seasonal Jobs
Washington State Trails Association Jobs
Student Conservation Association
Earth Corp Crew

^{Photo: RCO presenters at the Washington State Trails Coalition identified 4 priorities for outdoor recreation and access based on resident and community research.}

^{Photo: RCO presenters at the Washington State Trails Coalition discuss the 2022 survey of resident demand.}

^{Photo: JT listens to a panel discussing projects that support equitable access to outdoor spaces for youth.}

Skagit Trail Builders hosts volunteer work parties twice a month – the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, Sept-June, except for holidays.

We welcome volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds and encourage families to join us in creating this wonderful local resource.

We are working on a brand-new trail at Northern State Recreation Area in Sedro Woolley, WA. Learn more about the project.

To see more photos and videos