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Logo bar of the Alaska Public Lands Information Center which are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Tok and Ketchikan
Tent set up near a lake
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Tread Lightly
 
A cartoon of a gray squirrel wearing a while t-shirt with the words "Tread Lightly" on the front.
Lightfoot, the Tread Lightly! mascot
The Tread Lightly! program originated as a program for the US Forest Service in the mid 1980's. The goal was to encourage outdoor recreation while minimally impacting private and public lands. Tread Lightly! became a non-profit organization in 1990. Tread Lightly!'s main goal is to promote the responsible use of recreational vehicles such as snow mobiles. Tread Lightly! develops and distributes educational programs, and works with media, outdoor recreation suppliers to get their message across.

Want to tread lightly?

Travel responsibly
Respect the rights of others
E
ducate yourself, plan and prepare before you go
Avoid sensitive areas
D
o your part



A person rides a green atv. Two people snow mobiling. The side view of boat on a lake. Two men are in camoflage with guns slung over their backs.A kid holds a gps for geocaching. Two people are biking looking forward. The woman in front raises her fist trimphently.A skier skies towards the camera.The backs of three people riding horses on a trail.Two people sit near their tent. Behind are tall mountains.
anch11-treadlightly600

Tread Lightly!



A hiker climbs up a set of stairs made with logs in the middle of an old growth forest.

Some Tread Lightly! Tips 

  • Stay on designated trails--taking shortcuts can harm wildlife.
  • Travel only on areas open to your type of vehicle, and the type of recreation you're pursuing.
  • Cross streams as designated crossing points.
  • Comply with all signage.
  • Avoid sensitive areas--whether that be due to inadequate snow covering if you're snow machining or skiing, or whether the ecosystem in that area is especially sensitive.
  • Ask landowners before you enter private property.
  • Avoid building fires. If you do build a fire, use a fire pan.
  • Use existing campsites.
  • Pack in what you pack out--Don't burn or bury trash.
  • Be respectful of others enjoying the same space.
  • Keep dogs on leashes.
  • Tell someone about your travel plans.
  • Dress in layers.
  • Know about the laws and regulations.
  • Be well informed about your trip. Make sure you have maps, a compass, and proper gear before going.
  • Check the weather forecast and avalanche conditions before heading out.
  • Be prepared for any emergencies--always take a first aid kit and extra food along with you.
  • Know how to treat hypothermia.
  • Avoid spooking animals.
  • Remember that motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited in reserved wilderness areas. 
  • If planning an outdoor trip in the winter, take an avalanche safety course.
  • Practice Leave No Trace etiquette.


The tread lightly! logo-The words "treadlightly! ON LAND AND WATER" next to a big thumb print.
Tread Lightly! Links
The Tread Lightly! kids page has tons of educational online games to help kids, and the kid in all of us, learn about how to tread lightly:http://www.treadlightly.org/tlkids/

Tread Lightly! Homepage: http://www.treadlightly.org

Want to learn more about how to lower your impact while enjoying the outdoors? Visit: http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/recreation/rec_info/outdoor_ethics.html



Want to become involved in Tread Lightly!? Contact:

298 24th Street, Suite 325
Ogden, UT 84401
1-800-966-9900
Fax: 1-801-627-0077
E-mail: tlinc@xmission.com





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Gates of the Arctic Did You Know?
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve lies entirely north of the Arctic Circle and includes the scenic headland of the Brooks Range, the northernmost extension of the Rocky Mountains. Park & Preserve combined are four times the size of Yellowstone National Park. It is the ultimate wilderness.