If you have never driven off-road, you may find yourself addicted to the fun and adventure. But, like any endeavor, there are some things to keep in mind before your first SUV safari.
Check your equipment. Make sure your tire pressures are correct, that you have plenty of fuel (no stations manned by Smoky Bear out there), stow the emergency equipment (including first-aid kit, radio or cell phone, and tow ropes) and take on provisions (water and snacks).
Take along a buddy or, better yet, have your buddy drive his own four-wheeler. That way you’ll have help should one of you get stuck.
Off-roading is not about blasting through streams, sending waves of water higher than the roof, nor is it about launching your vehicle into orbit. It is about tenderness. The idea is to have fun, but leave as little evidence that you were there as possible.
Tread Lightly!, a non-profit organization whose mission is “To empower generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly through education and stewardship,” offers the following tips:
Travel and recreate with minimum impact
– Stay on designated routes only.
– Travel only in areas that are open to your type of recreation.
– Don’t create new routes or expand existing trails.
– Avoid sensitive habitats such as wetlands, meadows and tundra.
– Cross streams only at fords where the road or trail intersects the stream.
– Respect the environment and rights of others
Respect and be considerate of other users so all can enjoy a quality experience in the outdoors.
– Yield to horses, hikers and bikers, cattle.
– Respect wildlife. Be sensitive to their life sustaining needs by keeping your distance.
– Comply with signage.
– Always obtain permission to cross private land.
Educate yourself and prepare before you go
– Know local laws and regulations.
– Have the right information, maps and equipment and know how to use them.
– Be sure your vehicle is compatible with road and trail conditions.
– Know which areas and routes are open for your type of recreation.
Allow for future use of the outdoors; leave it better than you found it
– Take out what you bring in–don’t litter.
– Properly dispose of waste.
– Leave what you find.
– Minimize use of fire.
– Restore degraded areas.
– Prevent the spread of noxious weeds by washing your gear after every trip.
In 1985, the Forest Service began Tread Lightly! to address concerns about the effect of increasing numbers of visitors to the great outdoors. In 1990, to maximize the program’s effectiveness, management responsibilities were transferred to the private sector, making Tread Lightly! a non-political, non-profit organization.
Now, get out there, get down and get dirty. And don’t forget a Thermos of coffee.
