Tread Lightly Teaches Respect for Natural Resources
Tread Lightly!, an organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, works collaboratively with the BLM and other partners to promote responsible recreation on public lands through education and stewardship programs. The goal is to teach people how to balance the “fun” with conservation and protection of natural and cultural resources when playing outdoors.
Tread Lightly! is involved in a number of special programs targeting different audiences and types of outdoor recreation including but not limited to hunting, recreational shooting, fishing and boating. The organization also promotes the safe and responsible use of off-highway and other recreational motorized vehicles.
The “Respected Access is Open Access Campaign” delivers the message that responsible behavior leads to continued access. The program includes guidance such as using current maps, staying on designated roads, respecting all signs and barriers, shooting only at appropriate targets, and packing out trash.
Another Tread Lightly! Campaign, RIDE ON Designated Routes, is a Utah statewide initiative that educates people who use motorized vehicles on Utah’s public lands.
Tread Lightly! also offers the Tread Trainer Program, which trains people to teach Tread Lightly! outdoor ethics to others. About 750 trainers have educated more than 250,000 people in 49 states in activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, and recreational shooting sports. Trainers include federal and state resource managers, enthusiast club representatives, certified off-highway vehicle safety instructors, and members of the greater outdoor recreation community.
In addition, the Tread Lightly! organization brings funding and support from the private sector through partnerships such as Yamaha’s OHV Access Initiative and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Tread Lightly! teaches visitors how to behave responsibly on public lands, ensuring that BLM lands are sustained into the future for public enjoyment.
BLM-Utah nominated this program for the Interior Secretary’s “Partners in Conservation” Awards. The Department will formally announce those selected to receive an award in January.
An awesome blog from the BLM on us. Thanks!
