‘Tread Lightly’ When Traveling Off Beaten Path Forest Service Pledge Urges Responsible Use Of 4-Wheelers

National forests, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service lands are crisscrossed by hundreds of thousands of miles four four-wheel drive roads and trails. Each year more and more drivers are using them.

In 1986, the U.S. Forest Service introduced “Tread Lightly,” an educational program to inform off-road and other four-wheel-drive users of their responsibilities and trail ethics on public lands.

The “Tread Lightly” pledge follows: “Travel only where motorized vehicles are permitted - never blaze your own trail.

“Respect the rights of hikers, skiers, campers and others to enjoy their activities undisturbed.

“Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies and complying with signs and barriers and asking owners’ permission to cross private land.

“Avoid streams, lake shores, meadows, muddy roads and trails, steep hillsides, wildlife and livestock.

“Drive responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy your vehicle on wildlands.”

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