Protecting the Environment: Tread Lightly!

The Tread Lightly! program supports recreationists by encouraging outdoor ethics to preserve the beauty of wild land. The word “tread” helps us remember to:

Travel responsibly on roads and trails or in permitted areas.

• Stay on designated roads. Don’t blaze a new trail or cut across switchbacks.
• Respect closed gates and regulatory signs.
• Stay out of designated wilderness areas.

Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.

• Do not exceed the posted speed.
• Never cross private land without permission.
• Travel in single file to avoid making unnecessary tracks.
• Yield the right-of-way when you meet others on the trail.
• If you meet a horse and rider, turn off your engine to avoid spooking the animal.
• Stay clear of wild animals, and avoid disturbing livestock.

Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.

• Get maps that show the area where you plan to ride.
• Learn about regulations governing ORVs in the area.

Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.

• Prevent forest fires by equipping your vehicle with a spark arrestor.
• Minimize noise. Whenever traveling on an access route, shift up at least one gear in order to keep engine noise to a minimum.
• Protect riparian areas, the easily damaged green strips of vegetation along rivers and lakes. They help prevent erosion, filter sediment to protect water quality, and provide food and shelter for fish and wildlife. Avoid riding in these areas.
• If you must cross a soft or muddy area, go slowly to avoid spinning your wheels.

Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization.

• Stay off soft, wet trails that are damaged easily by vehicles.
• Avoid creating dust, especially in residential areas.
• Cross streams only at designated crossings.