Sea Kayak & Canoe Winter Seminar

Warm up for a season of paddlesports during the Sea Kayak & Canoe Winter Seminar February 7th & 8th at the Community Center at Mercer View on Mercer Island. We are rounding up the region's best instructors for a series of top-notch courses. Topics will range from navigation skills and paddling technique to destinations and trip planning. Get your tickets today!

Budget Proposal Threatens to Close Four Cascadia Marine Trail Sites

The Governor’s proposed 2009-11 budget reflects the critical state of the national economy.  Services and spending are being cut across the board, including funding for parks and recreation.  The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission budget proposal for the next biennium, which begins July 1, aims for a $10 million reduction.  This budget cut includes reductions in equipment replacement, administration, services, and a move to “mothball” or close 15 parks and expand seasonal park closures.  State Parks will close and seek other public owner-operators for 13 parks deemed by the Commission as “not consistent” with the Centennial 2013 Vision (premier destinations or places of regional or statewide significance).  Among the park closures, are four key Cascadia Marine Trail Sites: Kopachuck, Fay Bainbridge, Joemma Beach, and Fort Ward.  WWTA will advocate to keep the Cascadia Marine Trail Sites open and available for overnight use by non-motorized boaters if and when ownership of these important sites changes.  Stay tuned to the email newsletter or Easy Current News for more information, as it becomes available.

Please Give Today to Support WWTA

Each year, WWTA counts on the Annual Fund Drive to bring in essential funds to support general operations - helping pay the overhead associated with running a small non-profit with a big mission. Like many organizations this year, we're seeing a significant decline in contributions to the Annual Fund Drive.

If everyone gives just a little, WWTA can stay afloat and on course. By making a donation of $25 or more, you'll be helping WWTA continue its noble pursuit, protecting and preserving the public's right to access Washington waters in non-motorized boats. Please donate now.

By contributing $25 or more, you help WWTA continue its important work:
- Re-establishing Cascadia Marine Trail sites at Kitsap County Parks
- Advocating for portage routes around Columbia River dams
- Restoring native vegetation at heavily-used water trail sites
- Educating hundreds of boaters in Leave No Trace skills and ethics
- Establishing primitive, no-impact campsites on the Snake River
- Mobilizing volunteers for the stewardship and maintenance of water trails
- Representing non-motorized boater access at land-use planning meetings
- Updating and distributing information about new and existing water trails
- And more!

Your donation matters, please pledge your support

Support National Recognition
for the Cascadia Marine Trail

U.S. Representative Jay Inslee recently introduced legislation that would begin the process to give the Cascadia Marine Trail status as a National Scenic or National Historic Trail.  Washington Water Trails Association submitted a letter of support for legislation that would further protect and elevate the status of the Cascadia Marine Trail (CMT). 

The legislation is currently in committee and here is where you can help. Please show your support and write the committee chairs, urging a hearing on the bill and a subsequent markup of HR 6740, which would study the feasibility of adding the Cascadia Marine Trail in Puget Sound to the National Trails System. Details.