TREAD LIGHTLY! Tips and Techniques for Implementing the Tread Lightly! Principles.
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Transcript of TREAD LIGHTLY! Tips and Techniques for Implementing the Tread Lightly! Principles.
TREAD LIGHTLY! Tips and Techniques for Implementing the
Tread Lightly! Principles
Tread Pledge
Travel and recreate with minimum impactRespect the environment and the rights of othersEducate yourself--plan and prepare before you goAllow for future use of the outdoors--leave it better than you found itDiscover 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. • Don’t 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• Don’t cross straight on or you may
damage your vehicle or get high centered
• Don’t straddle• Proceed carefully and with caution• Know size of obstacles vehicle can
clear
Soft Spots
• Avoid mud! If you can’t, use a low gear to maintain forward movement
• Engage locking differential• Don’t 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• Don’t drive up and down streambed• Remember the “no wake” zone
Driving Tips
• Negotiating Turning Around
• Keep Your Distance• Reconnoiter Ahead on Foot
Turning Around
•Don’t 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
• Don’t 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 what’s ahead of you• Evaluate alternatives and find
the easiest, least damaging choice
• Don’t 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• Don’t 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
• It’s 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
•Don’t cut switchbacks
•Cross streams at designated fording points
Negotiating TerrainWhile Hunting
Negotiating TerrainMountain 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 TerrainMountain 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 TerrainSnowmobiles
• Avoid riding on frozen waterways• Approach with caution• Identify all possible hazards
Negotiating TerrainSnowmobiles
Reduce Speed When:
• Approaching summits• Approaching corners• Around trees• Around wildlife
For your safety:• Don’t ride off cornices
Negotiating Terrain Horseback Riding
•Stay on established routes and trails open for horse use•Know which roads are open to vehicles•Don’t 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• Don’t 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
•Don’t 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
• Don’t 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 you’ll be and when you’ll 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!• Don’t drink and drive or ride!
Safety on the Trail
• Don’t overextend daylight hours• Don’t overextend yourself• Don’t 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
PreparationCamping With
Minimum Impact
Plan:
Repack food into reusable containers
• Reduces waste
• Lightens load
• Less amount of waste to pack out
Plan:Select Lightweight equipmentBackpack stoves and collapsiblewater 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
1902 2002
Change in Population (90-00)
Source: Census Bureau. 2000.
Western Population Growth
Popularity of OHVs
74%
154%
0%
50%
100%
150%
200%
1995 2000
Annual sales of OHVs in the West is double the national average,
increasing 154% in 5 years.
22,000
70,000
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Number of registered OHVs in Utah has more than tripled in the past
decade.
1989 1999
Pack It In –Pack It Out
• Don’t litter• Pack it out (both what you take
in and what you find from others)
• Repair damage• Don’t 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 OHV’s, Snowmobiles, PWC’s 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 causedamage and may result in closing the
area!
But….
What Is Available Today Will Be Available
Tomorrow!
By Respecting the Environment and Other Trail
Users