tread lightly! tips and techniques for implementing the tread lightly! principles

TREAD LIGHTLY! Tips and Techniques for Implementing the

Tread Lightly! Principles

Tread Pledge

Travel and recreate with minimum impactRespect the environment and the rights of othersEducate yourself--plan and prepare before you goAllow for future use of the outdoors--leave it better than you found itDiscover the rewards of responsible recreation

Travel and Recreate With

Minimum Impact

Reducing Recreational

Impacts on the Environment

Bedrock• Travel only in areas that are open to your

type of recreation.• Travel only on routes designated for

motorized use. • Don’t create new routes or expand

existing trails.• Avoid sensitive areas.• Cross streams only at fords where the road

or trail intersects the stream.

Four Wheel Drive

• Hills• Obstacles• Soft

Spots• Ravines• Streams

Negotiating Hills

• Use four wheel drive before reaching destination

• Use good judgment • Recognize vehicle and driver

abilities • Travel straight up or down a hill or

grade• Use a low gear

Obstacles

• Cross at an angle, one wheel at a time• Don’t cross straight on or you may

damage your vehicle or get high centered

• Don’t straddle• Proceed carefully and with caution• Know size of obstacles vehicle can

clear

Soft Spots

• Avoid mud! If you can’t, use a low gear to maintain forward movement

• Engage locking differential• Don’t gun the engine

Crossing Ravines

• Use a 45 degree angle and turn into ravines

• Go slowly• Know approach and departure

angles

Crossing Streams

• Cross only at fording points• Cross slowly, at a 90 degree angle to

minimize streambed damage• Don’t drive up and down streambed• Remember the “no wake” zone

Driving Tips

• Negotiating Turning Around

• Keep Your Distance• Reconnoiter Ahead on Foot

Turning Around

•Don’t try it on narrow roads or hillsides•Back straight down using a low gear•Keep foot off the throttle•Keep all tires rolling

Keep Your Distance

• Don’t tailgate• Keep all vehicles in sight• Enter tough spots one at a time• Wait for vehicle in front of you

to make it successfully before proceeding

Reconnoiter Ahead on Foot

• Know what’s ahead of you• Evaluate alternatives and find

the easiest, least damaging choice

• Don’t barge on regardless

Winching

A properly selected and mounted winch can be invaluable by:

• Removing fallen trees and rocks on trail

• Pulling vehicles out• Righting an overturned vehicle

Always Remember. . .

• Be a feather foot• Lower tire pressure for traction• Know where the differential is• Use the left foot breaking

technique• Don’t ride brakes or clutch• Look ahead

All Terrain Vehicles

• Slick Trails• Stream

Crossing• Logs• Switchbacks• Meadows &

Marshes

Slick Trails

• Take it easy on the throttle• Finesse the throttle for maximum

traction• Use manual clutch to feel for

traction to maintain forward motion while minimizing wheel spin

Stream Crossings

• Cross only at established fording points

• Blasting through stream ruins fish and aquatic habitats

• Crossing at high speed can drown you engine

• Take it slow and steady

Logs

• Move logs or go over them• If you choose to go over it, slowly

maneuver machine• Going around only creates another

trail and should be avoided!

Switchbacks

• Work slowly along trails

• Use weight shifts and smoothness to negotiate turns

• Never cut switchbacks

Meadows and Marshy Areas

• It’s best not to go through them at all!

• Driving through the wet and sensitive soil leaves ruts and a lasting impression on the land

•Stay on established trails and routes

•Don’t cut switchbacks

•Cross streams at designated fording points

Negotiating TerrainWhile Hunting

Negotiating TerrainMountain Biking

•Avoid wet and muddy trails•Cross streams at a 90 degree angle•Walk bike across streams and other uncomfortable terrain•Keep control of bike at all times

Negotiating TerrainMountain Biking

Tips for Personal Watercraft Use

•Ride only where there is at least 2 feet of water•Ride only where permitted•Obey all posted signs and markers

–No wake zones–Underwater obstructions

Tips for Personal Watercraft Use

Shoreline Smarts

• Slow and steady near shorelines• Make certain your in control• Always be aware • Respect rights of others• Take care to camp away from

shorelines• Show courtesy; Wakes and noise

can disturb others

Negotiating TerrainSnowmobiles

• Avoid riding on frozen waterways• Approach with caution• Identify all possible hazards

Negotiating TerrainSnowmobiles

Reduce Speed When:

• Approaching summits• Approaching corners• Around trees• Around wildlife

For your safety:• Don’t ride off cornices

Negotiating Terrain Horseback Riding

•Stay on established routes and trails open for horse use•Know which roads are open to vehicles•Don’t cut switchbacks

Negotiating Terrain Horseback Riding

Minimum Impact Camping

Preparation and Tread Lightly!

Guidelines

Campsite Selection• Use existing campsites when possible• Choose sites with durable surfaces

(Sand, gravel, slickrock, grassy

groundcover)• Set up tent and cooking areas where

vegetation has already been lost• Camp at least 200 feet off trail• Camp at least 200 feet from water

When camping avoid:

• Historical sites• Archeological sites• Paleontological sites• Sensitive or critical wildlife habitat• Other campsites (Respect others

wish for solitude!)

Respect the Environment and the Rights of Others

Rules and common courtesy on the road and trail

Bedrock

• Respect and be considerate of other users so that all can enjoy a quality experience in the outdoors.

• When driving, yield to horses, hikers and bikers. In personal watercrafts, be cautious around canoes, kayaks, and other boats.

• Respect wildlife. Be sensitive to their life sustaining needs by keeping your distance.

• Comply with signage.• Always obtain permission to cross private

land.

Respect the Rights of Others

• Be considerate of others– On roads– On trails– In camping areas

• Be- Cheerful and courteous- Friendly- A good ambassador

Respect the Rights of Others

• Leave gates as you found them– Unless posted otherwise

• Respect private land– Ask for permission

• Keep noise and dust down

When encountering pack animals. . .

• Ask handler how to proceed• Don’t make sudden movements or

noise• Move to the edge, downhill from the

animal• Shut engine off• Remove helmet• Be courteous and helpful

Yield the Right of Way

Yield

To

Especially on an uphill grade or when someone is overtaking you

Respect Wildlife

•Don’t chase or spook them!

•Wildlife are easily stressed in the wintertime and should be avoided

Respect the Environment

• Drive & recreate only where permitted– Stay on the trail or road

• Don’t cut switchbacks or create new trails– What damage does it do?

Respect the Environment and the Rights of Others

Snowmobiles

• Comply with signage and fence boundaries-Even when fences are snow covered

Respect the Environment and the Rights of Others

• Keep to the right on trails– Stay right and reduce speed on

corners

• Pass on the left– Ensures others are aware of you– Ensures visibility

Respect the Environment and the Rights of Others

• Ride Single File

• When Stopping– Pull sleds far off the trail– Have good visibility– Watch for oncoming sleds– Park single file

Respect the Environment and the Rights of Others

for Personal Watercraft Use

Respect the Environment and the Rights of Others

Water etiquette

•Treat others on the water with respect

•Be courteous to others in boat ramp areas

•Obey no wake zones•Be a good ambassador for your

sport

Always yield the right of way to:

•Sail boats•Canoes•Row boats•Non-motorized boats

Right of Way

•Vessel on the right has the Right of Way

•“Give Way” Vessel-Steers right-Passes behind

•Vessels meeting head on-Neither has right of way-Both steer to right

Right of Way

•Boat being passed has the Right of Way

•Pass on either side•Give at least 150 feet wide berth

for safety

Wakes:

•Never jump a wake

•Cross a wake at lower speeds

•Keep close lookout for skiers/towables

Respect the rights of others

•Courtesy goes a long way towards good will

•Avoid swimmers and water skiers

•Avoid – all other boats (stay at least 150 feet away)

Educate Yourself

Plan and Prepare

Before You Go

Bedrock

• Know local laws and regulations.• Know which areas and routes are

open for your type of recreation.• Have the right information, maps

and equipment to make your trip safe, and know how to use them.

• Be sure your vehicle is compatible with road and trail conditions.

PLAN:

• Obtain a travel map of the area– Determine open areas for your use– Select the safest routes– Know rules and regulations for safety

and to protect the environment

PLAN:

Contact Land Manager• Gather information on:

– Road and trail conditions– Temporary and seasonal closures– Special permits and low impact

practices required– Contact any private land owners to

obtain permission and information

PLAN:

• Ask Land Manager– Are there times and areas to avoid?– When are wildlife sensitive to

disturbance?– When are soils wet and prone to

rutting?– Where are the problem areas that

should be avoided?

PLAN:

-Leave itinerary and notify family and friends where you’ll be and when you’ll return

-Check licensing requirements for the area

-Do a “dry run” -Service vehicle and make necessary repairs before departure

•Before you leave

Traveling Safely

• Know limitations of yourself and your vehicle

• Travel in groups of two or more• Keep in touch

– CB radios, cell phones, and walkie talkies come in handy

• Buckle up!• Don’t drink and drive or ride!

Safety on the Trail

• Don’t overextend daylight hours• Don’t overextend yourself• Don’t tailgate- always follow at a

safe distance• Use common sense

Preparation

Know the Necessary Clothing for Your Activity

Clothing for Personal Watercraft Use

• Personal Flotation device (PFD) ALWAYS!

• Wet suits

• Sunglasses or goggles

• Water gloves and footwear

Clothing for Snowmobiling

• Helmet• Goggles or face shield• Gloves• Dress in layers• Warm footwear

Clothing for ATV or OHM Use

• Helmet• Eye protection• Long sleeved shirt• Sturdy pants

• Over the ankle boots

• Chest protector• Knee pads• Specialized

jerseys or pants to keep cool

PreparationCamping With

Minimum Impact

Plan:

Repack food into reusable containers

• Reduces waste

• Lightens load

• Less amount of waste to pack out

Plan:Select Lightweight equipmentBackpack stoves and collapsiblewater containers are:• Easy to pack• Take less weight• Help reduce impact on

environment

Allow for Future Use of the Outdoors

Leave It Better Than You Found It

Bedrock

• Take out what you bring in.• Properly dispose of waste.• Leave what you find.• Minimize use of fire.• Restore degraded areas.

Technological Advances and Change in Outdoor Recreation Activities

1902 2002

Change in Population (90-00)

Source: Census Bureau. 2000.

Western Population Growth

Popularity of OHVs

74%

154%

0%

50%

100%

150%

200%

1995 2000

Annual sales of OHVs in the West is double the national average,

increasing 154% in 5 years.

22,000

70,000

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

Number of registered OHVs in Utah has more than tripled in the past

decade.

1989 1999

Pack It In –Pack It Out

• Don’t litter• Pack it out (both what you take

in and what you find from others)

• Repair damage• Don’t leave anything behind that

you or others have taken in

Allow for Future Use of the Outdoors

• Avoid Wilderness Areas– Designated for non-

mechanized travel (foot and horseback only)

– No OHV’s, Snowmobiles, PWC’s or Bicycles

By Leaving It Better Than You Found It

• Avoid running snowmobiles over vegetation with minimal snow cover

• Avoid saplings or young trees sticking out of the snow

Avoid spreading noxious weeds

•Clean vehicle after every ride

•Clean gear after every time out on the trail

•Report outbreaks of noxious weeds

Discover the Rewards of Responsible Recreation

Bedrock

• Do all you can to help preserve the beauty and inspiring attributes of our lands and waters for yourself and future generations.

Benefits• Getting away from it all• Create family traditions• Preserve beauty for generations to

follow• What are your personal rewards?

If You Abuse It, You Could Lose It!

Careless impacts on a resource can causedamage and may result in closing the

area!

But….

What Is Available Today Will Be Available

Tomorrow!

By Respecting the Environment and Other Trail

Users