|
TRAIL
ETHICS
by Bill Burke
 Proper
etiquette is not just using the right salad fork. When we
venture forth into the back country--
whether we're hikers,
bikers, 4-wheelers, snowmobilers, horse riders, or llama
packers--why do we sometimes leave our manners at
home?
Temperatures boil.
Personalities clash.
We forget that there are
very diverse types of recreational forest users. No matter
how much we disagree with somebody else's way, we all have
something in common. We're there to appreciate our country's
spectacular mountain passes and to savor our "day in the
woods."
As an Outfitter Guide
using 4-wheel drives and an Outdoor Educator of 4-wheeling
safety, "Planning and Scoping Actions" frequently cross my
desk explaining the wide spectrum of land use, from
wilderness selection to logging operation, to proposed
trail/road openings and CLOSURES. Yes, closures! Part of
"the plan" is to close roads and trails that we all
know and love.
To help limit closures and
develop cooperative attitudes between backwoods travelers,
as users of 4-wheel drive sport utility vehicles, it's
critical to bring common courtesy and proper trail use
ethics with you on the trail. Don't leave home without them!
All 4-wheelers must share responsibility for using public
lands.
- Operate motor
vehicles as slow as possible, but as fast as
necessary.
- Be prepared.
Have proper maps and equipment. Know how to use
them.
- Give people
going uphill the right-of-way due to the "gravity
thing."
- Keep your
vehicle as level as possible, which allows all
tires to be in contact with the ground. This
prevents wheelspin, digging holes and erosion from
starting.
- Stay on white
arrow trails and marked forest development roads.
There are more than enough challenging trails for
every skill level without seeking your own
track.
- If you come upon
horse riders or llama packers, turn off your engine
and let them by. Take time to chat. You might find
something in common, or a new area to
explore.
Become informed. Educate
your children. Become involved. Volunteers with TREAD
Lightly!, Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, Colorado
Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, and United 4-Wheel Drive
Association donate countless hours for "Adopt-a-Trail" trail
clean-up, maintenance, and documentation projects,
campground renovation, goodwill trips for the disabled. They
work with the Forest Service, state and local governments,
and the Bureau of Land Management to help keep our access to
public lands and can use your help. In turn, you and future
generations of off-highway vehicle users will
benefit.
We all want to shed the
grime of the city and enjoy the solace Mother Nature offers
from her smorgasbord of beauty. It's for all of
us, no matter what transportation mode we
choose.
Drive responsibly. TREAD
Lightly! Ask First. And don't be a
stick-in-the-mud!
Read
what Del Albright has to say about how we can all do more!
©Bill Burke’s 4-Wheeling America LLC
Top of
Page
|
Bill
Burke's 4-Wheeling America LLC
