What is tread lightly?

"Tread Lightly!" is a non-profit organization that promotes responsible recreation and environmental stewardship. Founded in 1985 as a public awareness program by the United States Forest Service, Tread Lightly! became an independent organization in 1990. Its mission is to protect and enhance recreation access and opportunities by promoting outdoor ethics to heighten individuals’ sense of good stewardship.

The organization focuses on educating outdoor enthusiasts about the importance of minimizing their environmental impact while enjoying recreational activities such as off-roading, hiking, camping, shooting sports, and water sports. They provide education and conservation programs, public awareness campaigns, and stewardship projects to encourage responsible behavior in natural settings.

Tread Lightly! uses the principles encapsulated in the mnemonic "TREAD" as a guideline for responsible outdoor behavior:

1. Travel Responsibly: Encourage staying on designated trails and using vehicles that are environmentally friendly to reduce impact on natural landscapes.

2. Respect the Rights of Others: Promote the idea of being considerate to others who are using the outdoors, as well as respecting private property and signage.

3. Educate Yourself: Encourage outdoor enthusiasts to plan ahead, know the regulations, and prepare adequately for their activities.

4. Avoid Sensitive Areas: Advises staying clear of meadows, lakeshores, wetlands, and streams, as well as respecting wildlife habitats and historical sites.

5. Do Your Part: Emphasizes the importance of leaving nature better than you found it, which includes carrying out trash, reducing impact on land, and participating in community efforts to preserve outdoor spaces.

Through partnerships with agencies, conservationists, and other stakeholders, Tread Lightly! strives to balance the needs and wants of people who enjoy outdoor recreational activities with the necessity of preserving the natural environment for future generations.