Colorado's vast expanse offers ample opportunities for off-road adventures. With over 100,000 square miles to traverse, including a plethora of mountains towering over 14,000 feet, the state beckons explorers to tread off-road paths and discover its natural wonders. National parks, state parks, and protected areas adorn the landscape, inviting enthusiasts from all corners to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Taking Full Advantage Of Off Roding In Our Backyard, Respectfully
Here at John’s 4×4, we’re truly blessed live in Boulder and have such unparalleled access to the Rocky Mountains (and, of course, Denver to the east) and all the off road adventures they have to offer. The abundance of recreational opportunities helped drive our passion for off-roading many years ago, and since then, we’ve done our due diligence to make sure that we’re leaving as little environmental impact as possible.
With respect to our inevitable carbon footprint — and the inherent consequences that accompany it — our lift kit installation company in Boulder is proud to be a member of Tread Lightly!®, an organization dedicated to reducing human impact to trails and other natural areas around the country.
In today’s blog post, we’d like to take a closer look at Tread Lightly!® and their principles, as well as touch on what our association with this great organization means to us. Let’s get started.
About Tread Lightly!®
Acknowledging the value of outdoor recreation, Tread Lightly! seeks to inform and empower people across the country by promoting outdoor ethics and spreading awareness about various environmental issues. The goal of Tread Lightly! is to minimize our impact to ecosystems including fish and wildlife. The scope of their work includes land and water, and also includes outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, recreational shooting, hiking, backpacking, and of course, off-roading.
Tread Lightly! Principles
Conveniently, “Tread” is an acronym that encompasses Tread Lightly!’s values:
Travel (or off road) Responsibly
Stay on all designated paths and do not deviate off-trail, (off road doesn't mean off trail) whether you’re hiking or driving. Do not widen trails, and only cross streams at dedicated fords. Avoid wet/muddy trails whenever possible, and only launch watercraft in designated areas. Additionally, travel on designated waterways.
Respect Other People’s Off Road Rights
When you respect people, they will respect you. This means adhering to boundaries (including private property), giving right of way to people on the trail, leaving things as you originally found them, and leaving anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers, and other people in the water undisturbed unless absolutely necessary.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power, right? Off roading can be dangerous. Before your trip, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the area, you’re familiar with where to park, you have a lawful permit to do what you’re doing, you know how your equipment operates, and you know basic safety and first aid in the event of an emergency. Essentially, do what is required to ensure that you know what you’re doing…before you go out and do it.
Avoid Sensitive Areas
Going back to off roading responsibly, make sure you’re not trampling plants, sensitive soils, or other vegetation that’s recovering. Stay only on designated routes and trails. Do not enter sensitive historical, paleontological, or archeological sites. On water, do not travel at high speeds near the shoreline or in shallow areas.
Do Your Part
By setting a good example for the people in your life, you’ll naturally help spread awareness and promote respect for the wilderness around you. Leave the area better than you found it (or, at the very least, leave no trace), pack out what you bring with you, respect fire bans, and so forth. Practice what you preach — we do!
Why Do We Care?
This isn’t the first time we’ve answered that question. In short, we live by the T.R.E.A.D. principles because we want future generations to enjoy the same recreational opportunities that we currently enjoy. We want to live in harmony with the nature around us, making sure that the species in our backyard live a long and healthy existence.
Our goal is to give the off-roading community a good name, not a bad one. Yes, we are technically polluting the environment with carbon emissions from our vehicles. But who isn’t? Until electric technology meets 4×4 technology in a way that makes sense to utilize on the trails, there will always be some element of sacrifice by off-roading. That’s why we do everything in our power to minimize this environmental impact, promote awareness, and encourage others to go out and adventure in accordance with T.R.E.A.D. principles. It truly is possible to have fun, be safe, and be good to the Earth at the same time. At least, that’s what we think.
Want To Learn More? Contact Our Off Road and Lift Kit Installation Company In Boulder Today!
The goal of our blog post wasn’t too sound overly preachy or “Bouldery,” but rather, to express our pride in partnering with Tread Lightly! — an incredible organization doing valuable work on a daily basis. Our intent is to encourage off-roaders, hikers, bikers, backpackers, adventurers, and everyday people to be conscious of their environmental impact. At the same time, we also want to encourage you to get out there and explore (our 4×4 Jeep rentals can help)!
From resourceful auto repair to cutting-edge 4×4 installs, John’s 4×4 operates like an open book. To get started or request more information, simply get in touch with us.
