So im a bit a noob to wheelin and i like to wheel as much as i can and am wondering what the specifics are of treading lightly. Aside from some of the obvious stuff like not destroying the trail and such.
Thanks

 

Most of it is pretty common sense.

http://www.treadlightly.org/

You are on the right track with your thoughts so far. Basically, wheel such that someone coming down the trail an hour after you did will never know that you were there. No litter, no tearing up the trail, no bypasses... all pretty common sense.

THANKS for asking!!!

 

Travel & recreate with minimum impact

Negotiating terrain
· Travel straight up or down a hill or grade.
· Cross obstacles at an angle, one wheel at a time.
· Don’t straddle large rocks.
· Avoid mud if you can while remaining on the road or trail. Turn the steering wheel rapidly from side-to-side if you sense a loss of traction.
· Turn into ravines or large depressions at about a 45-degree angle.
· Straddle ruts, even if they are wider than your vehicle. This will keep your vehicle level.
· Cross streams slowly, at a 90-degree angle to the stream.

Winches
· For small vehicles, a 6,000 lb. –rated winch is generally adequate.
· For larger vehicles, an 8,000 or 9,000 lb. –rated winch is recommended.

Driving tips
· Keep your thumbs on top of the steering wheel, to prevent a sprained or broken thumb if the wheel suddenly snaps.
· Lower the tire pressure to where you see a bulge in your tire to give you better traction and provide for a smoother ride.
· Avoid riding the brakes and clutch, which can lead to break failure.

Minimum impact camping
· Select lightweight equipment, possibly in earth-tone colors that will blend with the surroundings.
· Use existing campsites whenever possible.
· Avoid building fires.

Respect the environment and the rights of others

Rules and common courtesy
· Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
· Drive only where permitted.
· Leave gates as you find them.
· Yield the right of way to bikes, horses and hikers.
· Keep the noise and dust down. Others will appreciate it.
· Pack out what you pack in.

Educate yourself plan and prepare before you go

Preparation
· Obtain a map of the area you wish to explore and determine which areas are open for use.
· Contact the land manager for area restrictions and if crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner.
· Check the weather forecast.

Safety on the road or trail
· Travel with a group of two or more vehicles.
· Buckle up for safety.
· Drinking and driving don’t mix.

Allow for future use of the outdoors, by leaving it better than you found it

Four Wheeling and the environment
· Stay on designated roads and trails or other areas open for use.
· Avoid “spooking” livestock you encounter.
· Cross streams at fording points only.
· Remember, designated wilderness areas are reserved for the most primitive outdoor adventure.

Discover the rewards of responsible recreation

· Four wheeling provides the opportunity to get away from it all and builds family traditions.
· Remember-if you abuse it, you’ll probably lose it! Careless operation of your off-highway vehicle can cause damage and may result in closing of areas to four-wheel enthusiasts.
· Respect the environment and other trail users. By using common sense and common courtesy, what is available today will be here to enjoy tomorrow.

Stolen from: http://www.treadlightly.org/readedu....004E2A00000000

 

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Also...I always yielded the right of way to less equpped vehicles....if I were to get my jeep off the road a little I wouldnt need to rip ruts on the side of the trail to get back on it, unlike a lesser equipped vehicle which may need to do that to prevent from getting stuck.....just something to think about....

 

Another tip, that I consider a big one for myself, is that I always have garbage bags stored onboard. I have no problem hopping out and picking up trash on trails that I frequent. I wish everyone could do the same.

It's amazing what kind of pigs are out there.