
Tread Lightly

The use of four wheel drive vehicles on public lands has become extremely
popular over the past twenty years. More than one million four wheel drive vehicles
are sold in the U.S. each year and as the numbers grow, so does the environmental
damage caused by their abuse. The solution to the abuse has been to close off large
areas to motor vehicle use. Presently there are more than two hundred thousand
miles of off-highway roads open to the public and if we want to keep them open we
must follow the Tread Lightly guidelines. Land Rover fully endorses the U.S. Forest
Service's Tread Lightly program and is a founding member of its board of directors.
Travel only where motorized vehicles are permitted.
Respecting the rights of hikers, skiers, campers and others to enjoy their activities undisturbed.
Educating myself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies,
complying with signs and barriers, and asking owner's permission to cross private
property.
Avoiding streams, lakeshores, meadows, muddy roads and trails, steep hillsides,
wildlife, and livestock.
Driving responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy my vehicle on wild lands.
The most common abuses that must be stopped, if we are to continue enjoying driving on public lands are:
- Shortcutting switchbacks on roads and trails.
- Driving around difficult road sections and creating new roads.
- Blazing new roads and trails. One vehicle driving off of the road causes little
damage, but the many vehicles who soon follow the tracks can cause
vegetation, and soil damage that leads to erosion.
- Driving on wetland areas. Lakeshores, marshes, bogs, and streams are easily
damaged.
The normal rules of the road also apply in off-highway situations. We must remember to respect others and present a good image.
- Do not speed. These are public roads and you will encounter traffic going in
both directions. Stay to the right and slow down when approaching other
vehicles.
- When encountering oncoming traffic, the vehicle going uphill has the right of way, but tradition dictates that the vehicle who can pull over with the least amount of difficulty does so.
- Use your seat belt. It is the law on public lands and in Colorado.
- Do not litter anywhere and pick up trash left by others.
- Park considerately, taking no more space than needed, without blocking other vehicles, and without impeding access to trails.
- Respect others on the trail. Be polite! Give horses, mountain bikers and hikers the right of way. Be especially cautious around horses. Pull over and turn your motor off if necessary. Remember all trail users will be judged by your actions.
- Bury human waste and do not relieve yourself near streams. In many desert
areas human waste must be packed out (as they do on river trips) because it
does not decompose.
- Be careful with fire! Smoke only in designated areas (not in vehicles) and
be careful with matches and smoking materials. Do not stop vehicles in areas of tall vegetation, because catalytic converters can cause fires.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.