New Tread Lightly! program promotes outdoor ethic
Feb.
10, 2004 – The nonprofit organization Tread Lightly!, which promotes
the responsible recreational use of the outdoors, has developed a new training
program called Tread Trainer that the organization hopes will further support
respect for the land.
Tread Trainer is a national, volunteer-based program that seeks to train people all over the country to become "Master Tread Trainers," or official representatives of Tread Lightly! Master Tread Trainers are trained in the principles of minimizing environmental impact, and presentation skills. The master trainers then teach others to become Tread Trainers, thereby creating a growing network of volunteers prepared to reach recreationists nationwide through presentations.
The program has trained 188 Master Tread Trainers in more than a dozen states since March 2003. These include government employees from the federal Bureau of land Management, U.S. forest Service, National Parks Service, as well as representatives from enthusiast associations and clubs.
"Tread Trainer is a vital program because it shows that we can have the enjoyment of recreation while still preserving the land," said Lynn Noltner, a National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council project coordinator.
Among the graduates of the eight-hour course are more than half of the ATV Safety Institute chief instructors. Tread Lightly! principles are incorporated into every class taught by the ATV safety organization.
An All-Terrain Vehicle Task Force in Wisconsin has also completed the training. The goal of those members is to give presentations on the Tread Lightly! message to everyone from new riders to politicians in the state.
"Tread Trainer fills a gaping hole in America's recreation education," said Lori Davis, Tread Lightly!'s executive director. "Its early success is apparent as we get reports of our trainers watching experienced as well as new riders embracing Tread Lightly! habits."
Tread Trainer is sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund and the Federal Highway Administration. To find out more about the Tread Trainer program, or to become a member of Tread Lightly!, call (800) 966-9900 or go to www.treadlightly.org.