T H E

T r e a d L i g h t l y !G u i d e T o

R e s p o n s i b l e

S n o w m o b i l i n g

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

WHAT IS TREAD LIGHTLY!? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

CLOTHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

TRAIL ETIQUETTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

SNOWMOBILING AND THE ENVIRONMENT . . . . . .12

NEGOTIATING TERRAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

RIDING TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

NIGHT RIDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

SURVIVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

AVALANCHES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

SNOWMOBILE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . .18

INTRODUCTION

For many of us, enjoying the outdoors has become a major form ofrecreation. There’s nothing more cherished than “getting awayfrom it all.” Winter pursuits such as winter camping, ice fishing,photography, organized snowmobile club activities, and trail andtour riding have all grown in popularity because of the increasedpopularity of snowmobiling, and the ever-improving reliability ofmodern snowmobiles.

Snowmobiles grant us access to remote areas such as hidden woodsand distant mountains, and they permit us to explore and enjoy. Butwe also have a responsibility to our outdoor home, to keep it neatand orderly, just as we would our homes and yards.

Throughout the Tread Lightly! Guide to ResponsibleSnowmobiling, you will learn to prepare for responsible enjoymentof winter’s splendor and the excitement of snowmobiling. Thisguide will help make your riding as enjoyable as possible, and willensure that it has a positive influence on nature and those aroundyou.

Now, off to the wonderful world of responsible snowmobiling, theTread Lightly! way.

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WHAT IS TREAD LIGHTLY!?

Tread Lightly! began in the mid-1980s as a U.S. Forest Serviceprogram. Its goal was public education that would encourageprotecting public and private lands through practicing low-impactprinciples applicable to all forms of recreational activities.

In 1990, Tread Lightly! became a non-profit corporation, TreadLightly!, Inc. It unites a broad spectrum of federal and stategovernmental agencies, recreational manufacturers, parts suppliers,enthusiasts magazines, user groups, and concerned individuals whoshare a common goal to care for our public and private lands.

Tread Lightly! achieves its goals to educate the outdoor recreationenthusiast in several ways. First, it develops and distributeseducational materials to outdoor enthusiasts. Second, it works withthe media to get the message out to everyone who enjoys theoutdoors. Third, it works with the manufacturers and suppliers tothe various outdoor recreation markets and public-service agenciesto assure that advertising and promotional programs take anenlightened stance on responsible land use.

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The primary mission of Tread Lightly! is to encouragerecreationalists to be responsible as they enjoy their recreationalvehicles such as snowmobiles, or other forms of backcountrytravel. Being environmentally responsible is not difficult. All itrequires is common sense, basic decency, and the commitment tofollow some basic principles summed up in the Tread Lightly!Pledge:

Travel and recreate with minimum impact.

Respect the environment and the rights of others.

Educate yourself, plan and prepare before you go.

Allow for future use of the outdoors, leave it better than

you found it.

Discover the rewards of responsible recreation.

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STEP BY STEP

Before you head out on your next snowmobiling adventure, a littlepreparation can make your life easier, safer, and at the same timeprotect the environment. Planning for the unexpected as well as theexpected can help maximize your time and fun outdoors andminimize your problems. Plan your trip well in advance—30 daysisn’t too early.

PREPARATION

To enjoy snowmobiling to the fullest, be prepared for theunexpected. Even when riding in remote areas such as woods andmountains, you can enjoy hours of trouble-free riding with somesmart preparation. Specific items you should pack for your personalsafety are mentioned throughout this booklet, and the SnowmobileChecklist consists of items to keep your snowmobile running right.

• Always pack travel maps. Carry local trail maps and areahighway maps to get the best idea of your location and proximityto towns, roads, and trails. Better yet, invest in a globalpositioning system transceiver.

• Ride only on designated snowmobile trails or in areas whereyou’re certain snowmobiling is permitted. On state or federallymanaged lands, check with rangers or land managers to clarifywhich lands are open for riding. Watch for signage at trail headsto verify that snowmobiles are permitted on the trails you’reentering. On private lands, check with landowners forpermission to use their land.

• Check weather forecasts as part of your planning. Dressaccordingly and be prepared to cut your ride short if particularlyharsh weather is expected. Notify friends of your plans andestimated arrival time.

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• Regardless of where you ride, be sure your snowmobile isproperly registered with your home state or province. Learnwhether you need special local trail permits or registrationwhere you plan to ride. Some counties, states, or parks requirespecial permits.

• Top off your gas and oil before departing, and take adequate fuelfor your trip. On extended trips, take advantage of fuel stopswhere you find them rather than risking being stranded.

• Make sure you’re completely familiar with the operation andcontrols of your snowmobile and use riding time to get ascomfortable as possible with the machine’s power and handlingcharacteristics. Read the Owner’s Manual, make sure to performregular maintenance, and get familiar with basic mechanics suchas changing belts and plugs.

• The best teacher is experience. If you’re a new snowmobiler,ride in open areas where you can get comfortable with themachine and how to operate and control it. Experienced riderscan offer tips on how best to ride in various situations, includingtrail riding, powder riding, hill climbing and maneuvering icytrails.

• Today’s snowmobiles are extremely reliable and durable, butthey still need regular maintenance. Grease all fittings assuggested in the Owner’s Manual, check the brake fluid levelbefore each trip, inspect your belt for wear, and learn how to“read” spark plugs. Replace worn belts or plugs and have asnowmobile dealer do maintenance work to keep your sledrunning its best.

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CLOTHING

Snowmobile riders can find themselves in some harsh weatherconditions. Today’s snowmobile clothing is excellent at providingwarmth and preventing wind and moisture from chilling a rider.Don’t cut corners when purchasing your riding gear because it’syour best protection against the elements. Be sure to selectgarments that won’t absorb moisture, which robs you of body heat.

• Wear a helmet when snowmobiling. It is your head’s bestprotection in case of an accident. It’s also the best protectionfrom wind and cold. Full-face helmets provide the greatestsafety.

• Make sure your helmet fits properly. A helmet should fit verysnugly without pinching or hurting. You should be able to slide afinger up between your head and the helmet padding, but withthe chin strap buckled, you should not be able to pull the helmetforward off your head.

• Don’t try to save money when buying a helmet. You get whatyou pay for, and there’s nothing more valuable than protectionfor your head. Save money on other purchases, but spend what ittakes for a top-quality helmet that fits properly.

• Gloves must be flexible so you can operate your snowmobile’scontrols, and they must provide warmth and keep moisture andwind from your skin. Leather gloves are highly protective, butgloves made of fabrics with waterproof treatments are alsoeffective. Consider layering: wear a lightweight synthetic gloveas a liner and remove it if your hands become warm or wet.

• Mittens usually don’t offer as much hand dexterity as gloves, butthey’re the best at trapping warm air. Choose mittens that areflexible and not oversized. You must be able to operate yourthrottle and brake without hesitation. Consider wearing alightweight, non-absorbent glove liner inside your mittens.

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• Dress in layers so youcan remove clothing ifyou get warm or wet andput it on again whenneeded. The clothingclosest to your skinshould be non-absorbentso it wicks moistureaway from your skin toprevent chills. The nextlayer or two should becomfortable and looseenough to trap warm air. The outer layer—your bibs, jacket, andgloves or mittens—must be the most protective: windproof, aswaterproof as possible, and durable enough to withstandbranches along the trail.

• Keeping your feet warm and dry is essential, so choose bootsthat are waterproof and have a warm lining or insulation,preferably a removable liner you can dry at day’s end. Rubber ismost effective at keeping soles sealed and waterproof. Foruppers, thick leather or waterproofed fabrics are good at keepingwater from reaching the insulation or liner.

• Some riders, especially those who ride in areas laced with rivers,streams, and lakes, wear flotation suits. These suits provideprotective shells and warm insulation as well as internalflotation devices that keep a rider afloat if he or she ends up inwater. Look for suits whose flotation materials are approved byregulatory agencies. Remember: This extra protection does notdiminish the need for caution near bodies of water.

• Some riders use goggles rather than face shields, especiallyriders with snocross-style helmets. Make sure the goggles fitcomfortably and provide excellent peripheral vision. Keep themclean and fog-free, and have a spare pair of goggles along incase the first pair ices over. Tinted lenses are effective on brightdays, but can diminish vision slightly at night.

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SAFETY

Learn the limits of your ability and drive at safe speeds. Sincestopping takes longer on slick surfaces such as snow and ice, bedoubly aware of your surroundings and of other snowmobilers soyou can react and respond in time to avoid accidents.

• Ride with a partner. Not only is there fun in numbers, but ridingwith at least one companion is essential to your safety.Remember that you’re going off-road, sometimes into remotecountry a great distance from roads and towns. The buddysystem is vital to avoiding tragedy in case of emergencies suchas a mechanical break-down or an accident. Your snowmobilecan take you farther than you can walk back.

• A cellular telephone is a smart, potentially lifesaving link to helpin case of an emergency. Before your day’s ride, write downlocal emergency telephone numbers and bring them with you.

• Don’t drink and ride. Even one drink impairs your response timeand judgment, two vital traits for snowmobiling.

• Modern snowmobiles have excellent brakes, but you’re riding oninherently slippery surfaces—snow and ice—so you can’t expectto stop as quickly as you do in a vehicle. You are tailgating if youcan’t stop a safe distance from the sled in front of you. Leaveyourself plenty of room to stop, and watch for the brake lights ofriders ahead of you. At night, don’t ride so fast you can’t stopwithin the area illuminated by your headlights.

• Trails are for riding—not racing! Leave the competition to the race tracks. If you absolutely must go fast, enter a sanc-tioned snowmobile drag race or radar run. Observe speed limits: Whether they’re posted on every trail or not, it’s yourresponsibility to obey the local speed limits.

• When not on a groomed or marked trail, be aware of unmarkedhazards or obstacles hidden beneath the snow, i.e. fences, rocks,gates and ditches.

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• Play it safe as the daylight changes. Terrain, snow contours andsome signage can be difficult to see at dusk, so reduce yourspeed, play it safe, and take a break or stop for the night.

• Don’t ride to the point of exhaustion—mental or physical. Rideto have fun, and end the day’s ride before you’re too tired to ridesafely.

• Ride defensively. Make safety the highest priority whendeciding whether to proceed or to give way when encounteringother riders and at road crossings. Don’t assume that other ridersor motorists always see you or will respond properly.

• Watch out for groomers on the trails, especially at night. They’rebig and typically moving at slow speeds on the trails, so make sureyou can stop if you round a corner and encounter one. Inquire attrail stops about whether any groomers are on the next stretch oftrails you’ll ride. Always assume that a groomer is on the trail.

• Watch out for oncoming traffic. Make sure your group’s leaderis a safety-first rider who signals to the group when oncomingsleds are spotted. Both groups of riders should slow whilepassing one another and every rider should hug the trail’soutside edge to make way for passing sleds.

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TRAIL ETIQUETTE—RULES AND COMMON COURTESY

Be a courteous rider. Yield the right of way when it helps trafficflow safer and smoother. Courtesy on the trails helps keep the trailsopen year after year.

• Keep to the right on the trails—even when you don’t see anyoncoming traffic. You optimize your reaction time if you’realready on the right side of the trail when you spot oncoming sledsor other users.

• It is especially essential to stay to the right in corners. Each ridermust stay to the right to avoid collisions with passingsnowmobiles. Reduce speeds as required to stay to the rightwhile cornering.

• Pass on the left, but only pass another rider if that rider is awareyou’re coming by and has waved you on. Make sure you havecomplete visibility of the trail ahead so you know it’s safe to pullout to the left to pass. Slower groups of riders should slow andhug the right edge of the trail to let faster riders pass.

• Before starting a day’s ride, agree as a group on hand signals touse on the trails. Included should be signals for: “stop ahead,”“oncoming riders approaching,” “slow—hazard or sharp curve ahead,” and “road crossing clear, proceed with caution.”

• Ride single file. Trails are typically groomed wide enough foronly two sleds, and you must leave room to your left foroncoming snowmobiles to pass.

• When stopping along the trail, pull your sleds as far off the trailas possible in a very visible stretch of the trail. Don’t stop nearcorners, and consider how many riders are in your group so thelast riders aren’t parked near a corner. Park single file and watchfor oncoming snowmobiles.

• Ride only where permitted. Obey “no trespassing” signs even ifyou see tracks in the posted areas. Being a responsiblesnowmobiler can help all riders retain their access to choiceriding areas.

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• Unless a marked trail clearly routes you around a locked gate,obey all gate closures as you would in a vehicle. If you havepermission to go through a gate, leave it as you found it, eitheropen or closed.

• Show consideration for others, including snowmobilers, landowners, skiers, hikers, horseback riders, motorists, and wildlife.Enjoy your riding and the beautiful scenery. That means ridingcourteously, riding safely, riding on marked trails, and not littering.

• Leave only track marks and take only memories. Help keepareas clean by taking out all litter. Leave it better than you foundit.

• If you build a fire, pick a location where the ashes and fire debriswon’t leave an impact. Fire pans are preferable as a fire ring willnot be visible after the snow melts.

• Respect private land. Ask permission and stay on the trail.

• Obey all trail signs, including speed limit signs, stop signs, andhazard warnings. Warning signs can refer to bridges, sharpcurves, steep hills, large bumps, or road or trail crossings.

• Park in designated areas at trail heads. Don’t park in restrict-ed areas or in a way that blocks traffic or other tow vehicles. If necessary, unload the sleds from the trailer, then park the tow vehicle.

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SNOWMOBILING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

One joy of snowmobiling is the chance to experience nature inwinter. It’s every rider’s responsibility to keep nature as unspoiledas possible by respecting the woods and wildlife. Protecting theenvironment preserves it for future generations of snowmobilers to enjoy.

• Ride only where permitted and not in off-trail areas where youmay harm wildlife or vegetation. Remember, designatedwilderness areas are closed to all forms of mechanical use,including snowmobiles. There may be some exceptions inAlaskan Wilderness areas. Check your local rules.

• Be aware of wildlife you encounter during your ride. Don’tapproach or hinder as they move about.

• Some animals, especially large, heavy ones such as buffalo andmoose, use groomed, packed trails as handy walkways. If yousee them on the trail, remain a safe distance away and they willeventually move off the trail and let you pass.

• Animals are commonly operating at lower energy levels inwinter, when food may be harder to find. Don’t scare or chasethem away, which will force them to expend precious energy.

• Be respectful of animal habitat where they feed in winter, or seekshelter. Stick to the trails and enjoy viewing the wildlife from adistance.

• Excessive noise is bothersome to some people and to wildlife.Retain your snowmobile’s stock exhaust. Snowmobile exhaust isthe single most important issue causing user conflict.

• To minimize harmful emissions, keep your engine in tune so itburns fuel most efficiently. Use only recommended and certifiedfuels, lubricants, and additives.

• Snowmobiling on groomed trails causes no lasting harm to thesoil beneath the snow, but riding in marginal snow conditionsand on exposed soil can cause damage to plants and the soil.Ride only where there is adequate snow cover, where young treesand plants are not visible.

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NEGOTIATING TERRAIN

• When climbing a hill, approach the summit with caution in casethere are other snowmobilers, a steep downhill, a sharp turn, orother potential hazards beyond your line of sight.

• Don’t ride off cornices (snowy overhangs).

• Avoid riding on frozen waterways as much as possible. If youmust ride on lakes, streams, or rivers, approach them withcaution.

• When riding on frozen lakes or other waterways ride at reducedspeeds to optimize your view of potential hazards.

• Always cross roadways at a 90-degree angle to the road tohasten the crossing.

• Reduce your speed on the trail when approaching a corner.Squeeze the brake lightly at least once to evaluate how slipperythe snow is and to slow your sled in advance of the turn. Keepto the right side of the trail on every corner. Don’t slide the sledthrough the corner, or accelerate hard out of the corner, or youwill damage the trail.

• The old saying is that when a snowmobile takes on a tree, treesdon’t lose. Be aware of trees, stumps, and even branches nearthe trails. Avoid them by riding under control at reasonablespeeds.

• Respect fence boundaries and landowners’ rights even when thefences are snow-covered.

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RIDING TIPS

• Keep your feet on the sled when going downhill or riding onwooded trails.

• Don’t lock up your brake when going downhill. Rather, pumpthe brake repeatedly, releasing it just as the track locks up and isabout to slide, then applying it again to further slow the sled.

• Lean into turns slightly with your upper body to enhance thesled’s maneuverability and to avoid tipping the machine up onone ski (the one on the inside in a turn).

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• Touring snowmobiles have extended seats designed toaccommodate up to two riders. Don’t ride two-up on asnowmobile designed for only one rider, as this can result in ahazardous loss of control and maneuverability. Make sure thepassenger riding on the back of a two-up seat leans slightly intoturns with the driver. Take advantage of having two sets of eyeson board and make sure the passenger is watching for hazardsand other snowmobiles.

• If you or another newcomer needs instruction or riding tips,contact your local snowmobile dealer or the local snowmobileclub. Clubs usually have members who are certified safetyinstructors, and they’ll be adept at teaching you the basics onriding techniques and safe snowmobiling.

NIGHT RIDING

Night riding can be delightful. However, be extra alert when ridingat night, and take precautions. Pack emergency gear and notifyothers of the routes you’ll take and when you expect to return.

• Your vision is limited to only what your snowmobile’s headlightilluminates, so reduce your overall speed and take your timewhen riding at night. Be especially observant for othersnowmobiles, road crossings, hazards such as hills and sharpcurves, and keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife.

• Snowmobilers can cross paths with animals. Riding at reducedspeeds and not over-riding your headlights will help you seethese animals in time to take evasive action or stop.

• Today’s snowmobiles have excellent headlights, and theireffectiveness increases if all riders have reflective materials ontheir clothing and helmets. Some clothing comes with reflectivepanels or patches. Consider adding reflective tape to jackets,helmets, and gloves or mittens, so you will be more visible tofellow riders.

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• Be sure to ride with a partner when riding at night. Inopportunebreakdowns or fuel shortages can turn into serious emergenciesif you’re stranded alone in a remote area. Ride with others, tellfriends back home where and how long you’ll be riding, andcarry a cellular telephone.

• Avoid riding unfamiliar trails at night.

SURVIVAL

• Consider packing the following emergency equipment: areamaps (trails and highways) and a global positioning system(GPS) unit; waterproof matches or a lighter, and candles to meltsnow for water; flares, a flashlight, a whistle, and a signalingmirror to attract attention and help; a first-aid kit and spaceblanket; a tow strap, duct tape and rope, knife or multi-purposetool, and shovel; snow shoes, extra gloves, and warm hats;bottled water and high-energy food; and an avalanchetransceiver and cellular telephone.

• If a rider develops hypothermia, warm the person up as quicklyas possible by rubbing them vigorously and getting them into dryclothes. Give them warm liquids, but be certain not to give themalcoholic beverages.

• If you do suffer a breakdown, stay with your sled and stay on thetrail. Deciding to walk out cross-country may be the last decisionyou ever make.

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AVALANCHES

• The best ways to avoid avalanches are to be informed and avoidhigh-risk riding areas.

• Take a class on avalanche safety and consult local officials forupdate on conditions. Inquire about the likelihood of avalanchesbefore riding in an area that’s new to you.

• Avoid riding in potential avalanche areas during or immediatelyafter winter storms, when the chances for slides are increased.

• Know how to make a snow cave for protection. Practice makingone during a trailside lunch break and carry any necessary tools,such as a collapsible shovel.

• Consult with local officials and snowmobile clubs members soyou know how to arrange for a helicopter rescue in case ofemergency.

• Wear an avalanche beeper.

• Pack a cellular phone and emergency phone numbers, and packa GPS device if possible.

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SNOWMOBILE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

An ounce of prevention is the best way to ensure your snowmobileperforms reliably: Make sure it’s in tune and has undergone athorough maintenance check before you ride. Pack some parts thatcan be easily installed in case they fail. Get familiar with yoursnowmobile so you can perform at least basic trail maintenance toavoid getting stranded.

• Pack a tool kit. It need not be large or extensive, but it shouldinclude screwdrivers, the most common sizes of wrenches foryour machine, pliers, wire cutter, and a spark plug wrench. Amulti-purpose tool covers several of these tools by itself.

• Pack a spare drive belt and a few spare spark plugs. These partsare easy to replace if they fail, so make sure you have them onevery ride. Duct tape and strong wire can come in handy.Practice changing your drive belt so you can do it easily out onthe trail.

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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Tread Lightly!, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting the greatoutdoors through education. Your help through membership contributions enables TreadLightly! to continue its educational mission. Become a member today. IndividualMemberships can be obtained for a tax-deductible fee of $20, renewable annually. TreadLightly! offers Individual, Retailer/Outfitter, Dealer and Club memberships. Each categoryvaries in benefits and contribution levels. Upon joining as an individual member, you willreceive various membership items including a window decal, a product catalog, a copy ofTread Lightly! Trails, our quarterly newsletter, and tips applicable to your area of interest.For more information on other membership categories contact Tread Lightly!

Individual Membership - $20 Annual Contribution

Please rank your top 3 areas of interest in numeric order:___Mountain Biking ___Camping___Water Recreation ___Hiking/Backpacking___Snowmobiling ___Fishing___Cross Country Skiing ___Trail Biking___Four Wheeling ___ATV Riding___Horseback Riding ___Hunting

Name (individual) ______________________________________________________

Name (business or club name) ____________________________________________

Contact individual for business or club ______________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip __________________________________________________________

Daytime Telephone ______________________________________________________

(Optional) Fax__________________________ e-mail __________________________

Payment Amount________________ Check Money Order Credit Card

Credit Card Type Visa Mastercard American Express

Card Number_____________________________________ Exp. date ____________

Signature ______________________________________________________________

Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for the delivery of your Tread Lightly! membership package.

Send your application with payment to: Tread Lightly!298 24th Street, Suite 325Ogden, Utah 84401

Fax to: 801-621-8633 Call us at: 1-800-966-9900See us at: www.treadlightly.org E-mail us at: tlinc@xmission.com

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MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWINGSOURCES:

Bridge To Your Future. Tread Lightly! Inc., 298 24th Street, Suite 325, Ogden,UT 84401

Building Common Ground- Four Volume Set: Bringing a Group Together;Communicating With a Group; Negotiating & Creative Problem Solving;Planning for Change 1994, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Avenue,Chevy Chase, MD 20815

International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, 1640 Haslett Road,Suite 170, Haslett, MI 48840, Phone: 517/339-7788 www.snowmobile.org

Recreational Trail Design and Construction. 1994, Minnesota ExtensionService Distribution Center, Room 20 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue, St.Paul, MN 55108

To Build a Trail...Enhancing America's Pathways. Videotape, 1994, National 4-H Council, 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Tread Lightly! Guide to Responsible ATV Riding. Tread Lightly! Inc., 298 24thStreet, Suite 325, Odgen, UT 84401

Tread Lightly! Guide to Responsible Four Wheeling. Tread Lightly! Inc., 29824th Street, Suite 325, Odgen, UT 84401

Tread Lightly! Guide to Responsible Mountain Biking. Tread Lightly! Inc., 29824th Street, Suite 325, Odgen, UT 84401

Tread Lightly! Guide to Responsible Trail Biking. Tread Lightly! Inc., 298 24thStreet, Suite 325, Odgen, UT 84401

Tread Lightly! Junior High Curriculum. Tread Lightly! Inc., 298 24th Street,Suite 325, Odgen, UT 84401

Tread Lightly! Science Manual. Tread Lightly! Inc., 298 24th Street, Suite 325,Odgen, UT 84401

Thank you for promoting environmental ethics by purchasing and using this booklet.

Travel and recreatewith minimum impact.

Respect the environment and the rights of others.

Educate yourself, plan andprepare before you go.

Allow for future use of the outdoors, leave it better than you found it.

Discover the rewards of responsible recreation.

Funded by Arctic Cat Inc., Bombardier Motor Corp. of America,

Polaris Industries, Inc., Yamaha Motor Corp., and Ehlert Publishing Group, Inc.

Printed on recycled paper.

© 1998 Tread Lightly!, Inc.

Tread Lightly! Pledge:

U.S.A. $1.00