WWTA is a leader, partner, and resource for water trail planning and development across the state of Washington. WWTA facilitates volunteer involvement in water trail stewardship and educates members and the public at large about relevant political issues and best practices for low impact recreation (Leave No Trace). WWTA represents the state's non-motorized boating population in the political and recreational planning realm. WWTA remains an authority on the needs of non-motorized boaters in terms of physical and informational access to Washington's waterways.



Give Big on May 15, 2013!

For 24 hours this Wednesday, May 15, 2013, we can all be part of a one day event that will make a BIG difference for Washington Water Trails Association! The Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG will run from midnight Tuesday to midnight Wednesday (Pacific Time). Donate here in support of WWTA! Thank you!

Click here to donate!

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We are excited to announce Morgan Scherer as our new executive director! Please download the press release! Ms. Scherer brings a passion for the WWTA mission of securing and maintaining access to camping, launching and landing sites for non motorized boaters, and extensive experience in non-profit management and leadership.

WWTA 2013 Online and Live Dinner Auction
Our dinner and auction was a great success with over eighty participants! Christine Burris's bell was the winning item that night followed by the Pygmy kayak. Nigel Foster was a big hit as was auctioneer Allan Barlow!

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We want to give a big thank you to the Washington Kayak Club for the kind donation of $3000.00 from the Deschner-Steinburn fund and the $500.00 from the Access Fund!

We are hooking up with the Washington Kayak Club for paddles to Cascadia Marine Trail sites! Stay tuned for more information.

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Justine Curgenven "This is the Sea 5" presented at The Mountaineers on March 14*
Justine's productions are inspiring whether you paddle on Lake Washington, on the outer coast, or on adventures further afield. Thanks to Justine and her sponsors for donating proceeds to WWTA!


Protect Beach Access on Whidbey Island at Langley
Take action now and tell the port at Langley that you want continued access to the beach by contacting your port commissioners. Langley's proposed new floating dock will effectively cut off the beach for use by kayakers, paddleboarders, and all those with other hand-launched watercraft. Please help by passing this message along to all interested parties! Thank you!



Blake Island Cascadia Marine Trail (CMT) Sites CLOSED Temporarily
We have been advised that the CMT campsites at Blake Island State Park have been closed due to storm damage. Unfortunately, several big logs have moved to the sites and likely will not be cleared away until late spring when the roads will be dry enough to get the equipment in. All the other (non-CMT) campgrounds on the island remain open. For convenience, paddlers can use the campground to the west of the CMT sites. The outhouse is open, but the water is turned off until spring, so remember to take in your own supply.


IT'S ANNUAL FUND DRIVE TIME! DONATE HERE!


Make a Difference on WWTA's Board!
Take an active role and make a difference by becoming a WWTA Board Member. Needed: a passion for outdoor stewardship and, especially, for our right of public access to shared waterways through water trails for non-motorized boaters (aka the WWTA mission). Development and fund-raising experience is a plus, but a willingness to learn is most important. Contact Andree Hurley, WWTA Board President, to discuss your candidacy.


Site Steward Report Reminder!
WWTA's long-standing volunteer effort to maintain the Cascadia Marine Trail is calling on all Site Stewards to fill out and submit reports for this paddling season. Please submit a report for each separate site visited and, if you can, include photos of any problems you may have encountered at the site(s).

Mike Woolf, WWTA’s Site Steward Coordinator, will compile the information to determine sites that will require restoration and maintenance in the coming months.

Thank you, as always, for your efforts!


CASCADIA MARINE TRAIL
Posted June 2011 - Planet Forward on PBS
Early in 2011 a local producer, Amy Mathis, put together a video telling the story of the Cascadia Marine Trail. It can be viewed both on PBS and Assignment Earth!

Planet Forward on PBS is where experts and engaged citizens weigh in on energy, climate and sustainability (Online AND on TV), featuring stories about innovation helping communities build for the future and adapt to a changing planet. Planet Forward is a project of the Center for Innovative Media at The George Washington University.



VESSEL REGULATIONS
NOAA Issues Final Killer Whale Vessel Regulations
On April 8, 2011, NOAA announced final regulations to protect killer whales in Washington State from the effects of vessel activities. The new rules prohibit vessels from approaching any killer whale closer than 200 yards and forbid vessels from intercepting a whale or positioning the vessel in its path. This doubles the current approach distance of 100 yards. The rules go into effect early May and apply to all types of boats, including kayaks, sail, and motor boats in Washington's inland waters.