the Trails Fall 2008 newsletter

Fall 2008
Tread Lightly! to the Rescue
Thanks to funding from HUMMER
and the sweat of volunteers, Tread
Lightly!’s new program “HUMMER’s
Recreation Rescue” has been making
a substantial difference in the vitality
and accessibility of several popular
trails this year.
“What a remarkable program this
is turning out to be,” said Lori
McCullough, Tread Lightly!’s executive
director. “Often the future of recreation
in America can seem bleak, but
when volunteers, corporations, the
government, and Tread Lightly! all
come together like this—it proves we
can have real hope.”
Four projects are now underway in the
Sierra National Forest, California; the
Ocala National Forest, Florida; Moab’s
Kane Creek Trail, Utah; and in the
Phoenix area, Arizona.
Tread Lightly!’s new program, “HUMMER’s Recreation Rescue” has helped bring funding and volunteers to help restore
trails like this one in California’s Sierra National Forest.
Despite high temperatures, thunderstorms, and hoards
of bugs, nearly 70 volunteers helped sign a new
designated route in the Ocala National Forest in Florida
in June. The volunteers installed all needed signs on
54 of the 81 miles of trail. The newly designated trail
system will now be called “Tread Lightly! Four WheelDrive Way.”
On the other side of the country a few weeks later,
several volunteers turned up on a Friday morning to
help improve and stabilize a section of the popular Bald
Mountain OHV trail in California’s Sierra National
Forest that is subject to erosion. The group also closed
and restored unauthorized routes that have developed
over time.
For more information on HUMMER’s Recreation
Rescue or volunteer opportunities, please go to
www.treadlightly.org. Recreation Rescue is part of
Tread Lightly!’s umbrella program, Restoration for
Recreation™. Information on that program can also be
found on the website.
First Tread Lightly! Geocoin...............................2
Our New Aparrel Can Change Your Life!..........5
New: Renew Your Membership Online..............2
Our Tracks, The Trail Ahead...............................5
Nissan Outfits Tread Lightly! with a Pathfinder....2
Welcome New Partners!.......................................6
Trail Patrol is Fun.................................................3
Welcome New Members!......................................7
Do Your Part: Funding For Recreational
Trails in Jeopardy..................................................4
heads!
First Tread Lightly! Geocoin
A geocoin is a metal coin minted for use in geocaching.
The coins can be collected, traded, or placed in
geocaches to be found by others.
Tread Lightly! was one of the first organizations to
create a series of quick tips to help geocachers minimize
their impact on the environment. The tips are listed on
Tread Lightly!’s website and can also be purchased in a
brochure format.
tails!
Coins can be purchased for a limited time from the
Tread Lightly! online store while supplies last at www.
treadlightly.org.
Tread Lightly! has announced the launch of its first
official geocoin. The Tread Lightly! Geocoin is available
in five colors in very limited quantities. Each can be
tracked at geocaching.com using the unique number on
the coin’s license plate.
The coins were designed and donated by aetoys.com.
New: Renew Your Membership Online
Watch your email inbox this year for your renewal notice, which will, for the
first time, allow you to renew your membership online. This quickand-easy method will reduce time, save stamps and decrease
paper consumption. And don’t forget, all new and renewing
members will automatically be entered to win great gear from
Goodyear, Cabela’s and Adjustagrill.
Tread Lightly!’s latest renewal
tool pictured here.
Nissan Outfits Tread Lightly! with a Pathfinder
Tread Lightly! would like to thank Nissan for supplying
the organization with a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder this year.
The vehicle has been helping Tread Lightly! staff travel
to important events and national meetings.
Be sure to give us a friendly honk
if you see us on the road!
2
Use it!
Trail Patrol is Fun
By Doug Morris, Director, All-Terrain Vehicle Association
Yes, trail patrol, that is,
doing volunteer work to
help riders on trails and help
keep an eye on things, is fun!
They may even have a map out with everyone looking
at the map and then pointing in different directions.
Or, worse yet, scratching their heads trying to agree on
which way to turn the map.
Trail patrol gets you out of
the house, away from the
ever-growing list of projects,
and on the trails. It provides
you with opportunities to
meet a world of wonderful
people who like doing the
same things you like to do.
The key to helping with directions is that you need to
know where you are. There is no way around it, you
need to get out and ride every trail there is. At least this
is the story some patrollers tell their spouse.
Occasionally you will actually have to do a little hard
work. The most common is simply stopping and moving
deadfall off the trail. We all have come across a small
tree or large limbs that have fallen on the trail, and riders
who don’t want to stop and move the deadfall quickly
start looking for a way around the obstacle.
Many newer or lessprepared riders may need a hand with a flat tire or need
a little gas to get them to where they want to go.
When clearing the trail, it really makes you feel good
when riders go by and say ``thank you’’ or stop to lend
a hand.
One thing that helps make volunteering fun is that trail
patrol riders aren’t law enforcement personnel. They
don’t have badges or guns and they can’t give tickets.
In the case of trailside emergencies, trail patrol
volunteers normally carry basic first aid supplies or have
radios to contact emergency response personnel.
As a trail patrol rider, many of your contacts would be
with groups of riders stopped at an intersection trying
to figure out just where they are. They are easy to spot,
with that ``where are we’’ look under their helmets.
Doing trail patrol is more than fun, it just may save a life.
Join a trail patrol for your local ATV, four-wheel drive, mountain biking, hiking or other trail
system to help keep it clear, clean and safe.
A trail patrol volunteer from the Utah Four Wheel Drive Association greets visitors with important trail information in American Fork Canyon in Utah. Join a trail patrol for your local
ATV, four-wheel drive, mountain biking, hiking or other trail system to help keep it clear, clean and safe.
3
Do Your Part: Funding For Recreational Trails in Jeopardy
Do you know what the Recreational Trails Program
(RTP) is? It is a small component of the transportation
bill that is up for reauthorization in 2009. Why is it
important? RTP funds projects and programs that
support motorized and non-motorized trails all over the
country. From trail building and restoration projects to
education programs such as Tread Trainer, the program
is vital to keeping the outdoors accessible.
2008 RTP Budget = $80 million
1 Mile of Interstate Highway = $25 million
Source: Americans for Responsible Recreation Access
the past two decades. These programs dilute the effects
of federal funding by forcing state and local officials to
fund projects such as recreational trails, while projects
that would make a difference for commuters languish.”
The new reform plan shows no evidence to support
recreational trails.
In a recent address from the Transportation Secretary
Mary Peters, she singled out recreational trails. “Our
plan also will reform the nation’s transportation
programs. We consolidate the 102 various
transportation programs that have sprouted up over
If you care about the trails you ride, hike, or bike you
should be interested. RTP funds are available to local,
state and federal land managers for projects that might
not otherwise be funded. When the debate begins on
Capitol Hill in 2009, let your voice be heard. Let your
representatives and congressional candidates know that
you support recreational trails. And be sure to take the
time to learn more. Below are some websites to get more
information.
To learn more about the new transportation plan and to
comment on it, go to www.fightgridlocknow.gov.
To learn more about issues related to trails, go to www.
americantrails.org.
10 Tips to Tread Lightly! When Hunting
1. Always keep your vehicle on designated OHV trails.
Never make your own shortcuts, switchbacks or trails.
7. Carry out what you carry in. Pick up shell casings
(yours and others’) whenever possible. Never litter and
avoid burning or burying trash.
2. Check with your local land managers regarding game
retrieval regulations. Typically, you should get as close
as possible to your game without driving off of the road
or trail, and then travel by foot to the site of your kill.
8. If you must cross a stream while driving, do so only
at approved fording points (usually where the trail
crosses the water). Cross slowly and at a 90-degree
angle.
3. Don’t leave animal remains in wetland or riparian
areas, campgrounds, roads or trails.
9. Observe proper sanitary waste disposal by burying
human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from
trails, campsites, lakes or streams.
4. It is damaging and, in most cases, illegal to use
permanent tree stands, blinds, spikes, nails or platforms
on public land.
10. Educate yourself and be prepared.
Contact your local land managers to
find out local hunting laws and permit
regulations. Make sure you also have
the right maps, equipment and clothing
to make your trip safe. Tell someone
where you are going and when you
will return.
5. Flagging and marking trails is unsightly. If flagging is
necessary, remove it as you leave.
6. Avoid sensitive areas. Steer clear of stream
banks, lakeshores and meadows whenever possible.
Remember, motorized vehicles are not allowed in areas
designated “wilderness.”
4
Our New Apparel Can
Change Your Life!
Our Tracks (Where we’ve been)
“Since I’ve started wearing clothing from Tread
Lightly!’s new apparel line, I feel smarter, more
attractive, and people seem to generally like me
more.” ~ Jeremy Stott, Ogden Utah
Schools and Educational
Water Fairs, Utah:
More than 1,500 students in
Utah were fortunate to enjoy
presentations from Tread
Lightly!, and a lucky few were
visited by Lightfoot®, Tread
Lightly!’s giant squirrel mascot.
Tread Trainer Master Course, Georgia:
Congratulations to our new Master Trainers trained in
Alpharetta, Georgia.
Restoration Project, Ocala National Forest, Florida:
Despite high temperatures, thunderstorms, and
hoards of bugs, nearly 70 volunteers helped sign a
new designated route in Florida as part of HUMMER’s
Recreation Rescue.
Restoration Project, Sierra National Forest, California:
The smoked cleared for a beautiful day in the Sierra
Nevada Mountains as 35 volunteers, Forest Service
employees and HUMMER representatives worked
together to build barriers and create a water diversion to
reduce erosion on a section of the Bald Mountain OHV
Trail.
See Tread Lightly!’s new t-shirts, long sleeve tees,
sweatshirts, hoodies, women’s shirts, hats and other
great gear at www.treadlightly.org. Apparel is made
by Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter.
Shooting Sports Summit, Colorado Springs, Colorado:
The Shooting Sports Summit gathered leaders from the
shooting, hunting and outdoor industry as well as key
leaders from fish and wildlife agencies and conservation
organizations to address challenges facing hunting and
the shooting sports.
The Trail Ahead (Where we’re going)
September
25-27 National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women in the
Outdoors (Edgefield, South Carolina)
27 HUMMER’s Recreation Rescue work day- Kane Creek
Trailhead (Moab, Utah)
November
15-18 National Trails Symposium (Little Rock, Arkansas)
15 Tread Trainer Course (Little Rock, Arkansas)
February
7-8 Off-Road Business Association Super Show (San Diego,
California)
5
Welcome New Partners!
Bronze Partners
Interco Tire Corporation
Interco Tire Corporation has evolved through three generations into a leader in the development of
high performance tires for use on four wheel drive light trucks and all terrain vehicles. In 1968 Interco
developed the first 78 series light truck tires which began the evolution in light truck tires we see
today. www.intercotire.com
KYMCO USA
KYMCO manufactures motor scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs and has long been a leader in
quality, fuel economy, and versatility. KYMCO USA has a reputation and expertise gained through
over 30 years in the U.S. powersports industry. www.strmotorsports.com
OPTIMA Batteries
Whether you’re operating commercial equipment or driving recreational vehicles,
OPTIMA batteries deliver performance. Unique SpiralCell technology gives OPTIMA
batteries over 15 times more vibration resistance for increased cycle life. OPTIMA is
also maintenance-free. www.optimabatteries.com
Copper Partners
BDS Suspension
BDS operates with one guiding premise—to provide true value to the customer
by manufacturing the highest quality suspension systems at a competitive price,
distributed and serviced by the premiere jobber/installer expert.
www.bds-suspension.com
FJ SUMMIT.ORG
The FJ Summit is an off-roading event for FJ enthusiasts from all over the country.
Attendees learn all there is to know about off-roading while taking some great
rides on some of the nation’s best trails. Check out their website for upcoming
information on the FJ Summit 2009. www.fjsummit.org
Motorcycle Superstore
Motorcycle Superstore offers the largest online selection of motorcycle gear, apparel,
parts and accessories. Offering free shipping options, safe and secure ordering, and
no hassle returns, Motorcycle Superstore is the web’s premier motorcycle outfitter.
www.motorcycle-superstore.com
Rocky Ridge Products
Rocky Ridge Products offers quality, cost-efficient Jeep Wrangler Roof Rack Systems
designed to give customers a choice in selecting the specific options that suit their
lifestyle. Each rack is easy to install and comes with a lifetime warranty.
www.RockyRidgeProducts.com
Zone Off Road Products
Zone Off Road Products offers a complete line of quality suspension lifts and
accessories for all popular Chevy, Ford, Jeep, Dodge and Toyota models. Factory
direct pricing. www.zoneoffroad.com
6
Welcome New Members
Tread Lightly! is pleased to announce its newest
participating members. (May 2008 – August 2008)
New Individual Participating Members 147
Alliances
Member Clubs
Four Wheel Drive Association of British Columbia
Bonneville Offroad Racing Enterprises
Maple Ridge, BC Canada www.4wdabc.ca.
Redstone, CO www.boreracing.net
Eastern VA Jeepers
Green Wheelers
KMA Off-Road Jeep Club
Perthetrailscene.com
Mid-Atlantic Toyota Crawlers
Southwest Wildlife Foundation
Greenwood, IN
Aylett, VA www.easternvajeepers.com
Kensington, Australia www.perthtrailscene.com
Virginia Beach, VA www.kmaoffroad.com
Cedar City, UT www.gowildlife.org
Ranson, WV www.midatlantictoyotacrawlers.com
Moab Friends-For-Wheelin
Moab, UT www.moabfriendsforwheelin.com
Media
New Jersey Jeep Association
Trenton, NJ www.njjeep.org
4x4Wire.com
Real World Wheelers
Lakeside, CA www.4x4wire.com
Morrice, MI www.realworldwheelers.com
Clubxterra.org
Rockcrawlers 4 x 4 Club
Decatur, AL www.clubxterra.org
Springdale, AR www.rockcrawlers4x4.com
TRAILSOURCE.COM
The Maine 4x4 Club
Crested Butte, CO www.trailsource.com
Augusta, ME www.maine4x4.org
The Wendover Times
The Maine ORCAs
West Wendover, NV www.wendovertimes.com
Bangor, ME
Government
Outfitters
AlabamaDepartment of Economic and Community Affairs
(ADECA)
4WD School
Roswell, GA www.4wdschool.com
Montgomery, AL www.adeca.alabama.gov
Stellar Adventures
BLM Grand Junction Field Office
Scottsdale, AZ www.stellaradventures.com
Grand Junction, CO www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.html
The Passage Resort
Moab Area Travel Council
Dayton, WY www.thepassageresort.com
Moab, UT www.discovermoab.com
Morrow County Parks
Lexington, OR www.morrowcountyparks.org
Retailers
Wayne National Forest
ATVNation.com
Nelsonville, OH www.fs.fed.us/r9/wayne
Oak Creek, WI www.atvnation.com
Blue Mountain Products LLC
Official Partners
Pullman, WA www.bluemountainproducts.com
DKDiesel Performance & Offroad
Bellingham, WA www.dkdiesel.com
BDS Suspension
High Country Performance 4x4 Inc.
Coldwater, MI www.bds-suspension.com
Englewood, CO www.hcp4x4.com
FJ SUMMIT.ORG
OK Offroad-Dalriada Enterprises Inc.
Richardson, TX www.fjsummit.org
Tulsa, OK www.okoffroad.com
Interco Tire Corporation
Scotts Performance Products
Rayne, LA www.intercotire.com
Montrose, CA www.scottsperformance.com
KYMCO USA
Teaka Toys
Spartanburg, SC www.strmotorsports.com
Wilmington, NC www.teakatoys.com
Motorcycle Superstore
www.GoBagGear.com
Medford, OR www.motorcycle-superstore.com
Pflugerville , TX www.gobaggear.com
OPTIMA Batteries
Milwaukee, WI www.optimabatteries.com
Rocky Ridge Products
Dealers
Olmsted Falls, OH www.RockyRidgeProducts.com
Zone Off Road Products
DontFearTheJeeper.com
Coldwater, MI www.zoneoffroad.com
Ridgefield, WA www.dontfearthejeeper.com
7
New Membership Application
Membership Types
___ Individual...................$25
___ Member Club...................$100
___ Retailer.......................$50
___ Official Partner Club......$250
___ Outfitter.....................$50
___ Corporation.....................$500-$100,000
___ Dealership..................$150
___ Additional Donation.......$___________
Please list your top three recreation sports of choice: _____________________________________________
Name: ______________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________
City: _______________________________________________ State: _____________________Zip: __________________
Phone: _____________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________
E-mail: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Check/Money Order
Mastercard
American Express
Visa
Card#:___________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: _________________
Signature: ___________________________________________
Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery of your Tread Lightly! membership package.
Send your application with payment to: Tread Lightly!, 298 24th Street, Suite 325, Ogden, Utah 84401, USA
Phone: (800) 966-9900 Fax: (801) 621-8633 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.treadlightly.org