Don't lose access to your favorite trail! Tread Lightly!
Protect the Adventure
Follow Tread Lightly! Principles so you don’t lose trail access
Remember that epic camping trip last summer? Waking up to misty mountains, campfire stories under starry skies, the thrill of pushing your limits in the wild. Yeah, those are the moments that stick with you. But be aware, if we aren't good stewards of our environment we’ll lose access. That's where Tread Lightly comes in, like your seasoned trail buddy whispering "Hey, let's leave this place even better than we found it."
Tread Lightly isn't just a motto; it's a set of principles guiding responsible travel, ensuring our playgrounds remain vibrant for generations to come. So, before you pack your tent and fire up your rig, let's delve into the five pillars of Tread Lightly and transform your next adventure into a beacon of respect for the wilderness.
Travel Responsibly
Protect the land and the trails by staying on designated roads, trails and areas. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails. Cross streams only at designated fords. When possible, avoid wet, muddy trails. On water, stay on designated waterways and launch your watercraft in designated areas.
Respect the Rights of Others
Protect the fun for others, including future generations. This includes private property owners, all recreational trail users, campers and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Leave any gates as you found them. Yield the right of way to those passing you or going uphill. On water, respect anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers and those on or near shore. Don’t be selfish or you put your access at risk, and the access for others.
Educate Yourself
Prior to your trip, do your research by obtaining travel maps and learn regulations from public agencies. Plan for your trip, take recreation skills classes and know how to operate your equipment safely and ensure you do no harm to the trails, yourself, or others.
Avoid Sensitive Areas
Be extra aware of land such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams. Always ride with caution any time water is present. Wet soils are more susceptible to damage. Riding along river and stream beds causes erosion and habitat destruction. Stay on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitats and sensitive soils from damage. Don’t disturb historical, archeological or paleontological sites. On water, avoid operating your watercraft in shallow waters or near shorelines at high speeds.
Do Your Part
It’s up to you to protect your trail access! Always be modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species and repairing degraded areas.
These Tread Lightly principles aren't just rules; they're an invitation to become true stewards of the wilderness. By embracing them, we're not just protecting the environment, but enriching our own experience. Every mindful step we take deepens our connection to nature, weaving stories of responsibility into the fabric of our adventures and protects the adventure for us and future generations. Tread Lightly! keeps America’s outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy and accessible. Being responsible doesn't have to be boring.
Roof Top Overland and Tread Lightly stand side-by-side, equipping you with the tools and knowledge to leave your mark on the world, not the wilderness. So, hit the road with confidence, knowing that your journey is not just about exploration, but about leaving a lasting legacy of respect and responsibility. The open road awaits, adventurer, let's tread lightly together.
