Tread Lightly! is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs. Click here for more information about Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly!’s Principles for Responsible Recreation

Travel and Recreate with Minimum Impact
Stay on designated routes.
Travel only on designated routes.
Travel only in areas that are open to travel
Don’t create new routes or expand existing trails.
Avoid sensitive habitats.
 
Respect the Environment and Others
Respect and be considerate of other users
When driving, yield to horses, hikers and bikers.
Respect wildlife.
Comply with signage.
Always obtain permission to cross private land.
 
Educate Yourself
Know local laws and regulations.
Have the right information, maps and equipment
Know which areas and routes are open for your
type of recreation.
 
Allow for Future Use of the Outdoors
Take out what you bring in.
Properly dispose of waste.
Leave what you find.
Minimize use of fire.
Restore degraded areas.
Avoid the spread of noxious weeds by washing your gear and vehicle(s) after every trip.
 
Discover the Rewards of Responsible Recreation
Do all you can to help preserve the beauty and
inspiring attributes of our lands and waters for yourself and future generations.