Protecting the Environment
Tread Lightly!

The Tread Lightly! program supports recreationists by encouraging outdoor ethics. 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• Stay clear of wild animals, and avoid disturbing livestock.

Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, 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.

• Prevent fires by equipping your vehicle with a spark arrestor.
• Minimize noise.
• Protect riparian areas, the easily damaged green strips of vegetation along rivers and lakes.
• If you must cross a soft or muddy area, go slowly.

Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, and avoiding the spread of invasive species.

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