NORTH SALT LAKE, UT. (May 16, 2023)— Tread Lightly!, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible motorized recreation through trail conservation and educational programs, announced a finalized cost-share agreement with Region 8 of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to support responsible motorized recreation in the Southern region of the United States. Region 8 of the USFS includes Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Puerto Rico.

While there have already been many great accomplishments within Region 8 by Tread Lightly! this partnership will allow the organizations to more easily and quickly put agreements in place at the Forest and District levels to facilitate projects supporting motorized recreation.

“The Southern Region of the U.S. Forest Service is a proud partner of Tread Lightly!,” said Michelle Mitchell, Director:  Recreation, Wilderness, Heritage, and Volunteers for the Southern Region, U.S. Forest Service. “Together we work to help people enjoy their national forests and recreate responsibly.  This new agreement solidifies our mutual commitment and will allow us to continue working alongside one another, benefitting people, communities, and the land for years to come.”

The purpose of this agreement is to help educate the public about responsible use of federal land and water, improve collaboration with federal agencies in their management and conservation of federal lands and water, more easily organize events and projects that promote excellence in stewardship of federal lands and waters, and help Tread Lightly! serve as the leading advocate for outdoor ethics for motorized and mechanized recreation as well as responsible hunting, fishing, and recreational target shooting in the region.

“We’re very excited to grow our positive impact in the Southern United States with the help of the Forest Service,” said Matt Caldwell, Tread Lightly! Executive Director. “It has been a major organizational goal to support the Eastern and Southern U.S. in a more robust way, and this partnership is a major step to reaching that goal.” 

To learn more about Tread Lightly!’s mission and work, visit treadlightly.org.

About Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly! is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through stewardship programs and ethics education. Tread Lightly!’s educational message, along with its unique training and restoration initiatives are strategically designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them. The program is long-term in scope with a goal to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain a healthy environment. Tread Lightly!’s award-winning materials, programs and services are solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing recreation issues. Individuals and businesses can commit to Tread Lightly! and protect outdoor access by becoming a member at www.treadlightly.org.

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