
Environmental stewardship is central to WWTA, embracing complementary programs focused towards engaging volunteers in active stewardship.
In the Site Steward program, volunteers monitor public access sites from the perspective of those who use the sites, reporting on the effects of user impacts and areas in need of restoration work. Site Stewards assess the need for work parties, while partnering with WWTA and land managers. In addition to serving as eyes and ears on the trail, Site Stewards are also in an exceptional outreach position as they encounter other paddlers, boaters, and members of the public venturing to the water’s edge.
Stewards and Educators perform an integral role in instructing the public on Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, public water access issues, and in recruiting new volunteers to expand WWTA’s work.

Site Steward Program
The Cascadia Marine Trail (CMT) Site Steward Program is a long-standing volunteer effort to maintain a water trail that spans a couple thousand miles of shoreline. Site Stewards serve as the eyes and ears for WWTA on the growing Cascadia Marine Trail. Site Stewards monitor campsites with the perspective of the paddlers who use the sites and are trained to evaluate the function and features of the campsite.
Stewards visit Cascadia Marine Trail Sites at least two times a year and file reports electronically with WWTA. The reports update WWTA on the condition of facilities and trails, the presence of invasive plants, missing or damaged signage, any work the steward performed and user information.
