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!

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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.

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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.”

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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)

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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

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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

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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