TREAD LIGHTLY! Tips and Techniques for Implementing the Tread Lightly! Principles

Tread Pledge Travel and recreate with minimum impact Respect the environment and the rights of others Educate yourself--plan and prepare before you go Allow for future use of the outdoors--leave it better than you found it Discover 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. Dont 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 Dont cross straight on or you may damage your vehicle or get high centered Dont straddle Proceed carefully and with caution Know size of obstacles vehicle can clear

Soft Spots Avoid mud! If you cant, use a low gear to maintain forward movement Engage locking differential Dont 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 Dont drive up and down streambed Remember the no wake zone

Driving Tips Negotiating Turning Around Keep Your Distance Reconnoiter Ahead on Foot

Turning Around Dont 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 Dont 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 whats ahead of you Evaluate alternatives and find the easiest, least damaging choice Dont 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 Dont 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 Its 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 Dont cut switchbacks Cross streams at designated fording points Negotiating Terrain While Hunting

Negotiating Terrain Mountain 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 Terrain Mountain 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 Terrain Snowmobiles

Avoid riding on frozen waterways Approach with caution Identify all possible hazards Negotiating Terrain Snowmobiles

Reduce Speed When: Approaching summits Approaching corners Around trees Around wildlife For your safety: Dont ride off cornices

Negotiating Terrain Horseback Riding

Stay on established routes and trails open for horse use Know which roads are open to vehicles Dont 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 Dont 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 Dont 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 Dont 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 youll be and when youll 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! Dont drink and drive or ride!

Safety on the Trail Dont overextend daylight hours Dont overextend yourself Dont 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

Preparation Camping With Minimum Impact

Plan: Repack food into reusable containers Reduces waste Lightens load Less amount of waste to pack out

Plan: Select Lightweight equipment Backpack stoves and collapsible water 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

Change in Population (90-00) Source: Census Bureau

Western Population Growth

Popularity of OHVs Annual sales of OHVs in the West is double the national average, increasing 154% in 5 years. Number of registered OHVs in Utah has more than tripled in the past decade

Pack It In –Pack It Out Dont litter Pack it out (both what you take in and what you find from others) Repair damage Dont 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 OHVs, Snowmobiles, PWCs 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 cause damage and may result in closing the area! But….

What Is Available Today Will Be Available Tomorrow! By Respecting the Environment and Other Trail Users