Description: On February 26, 2026, a dedicated recovery effort was completed to remove the infamous “Red Truck” from the Backway to Crown King trail, a well-known 30-mile trail in Arizona that holds the Jeep Badge of Honor designation and attracts thousands of off-road enthusiasts each year.

The abandoned truck had been left on the trail for several years near the waterfall bypass area. Over time, the vehicle became both an environmental concern and a visual blight. It accumulated additional trash and debris while also posing a potential contamination risk as fluids and other pollutants leached into the surrounding soil and nearby flowing creek.

The removal operation required significant time, technical skill, and specialized equipment. A team of three volunteers worked for approximately 13 hours to successfully extract the vehicle from its embedded position in the ground and creek bed. During the process, the recovery wrecker became stuck, requiring additional recovery efforts. Volunteers also installed tires on the rear of the abandoned truck to allow it to be towed out; one of those tires later failed during the extraction. Despite these challenges, the team was able to safely tow the truck along the technical trail and ultimately remove it from the area, hauling it all the way to Crown King.

Recovering a heavy, incapacitated vehicle from a narrow and highly technical trail environment requires a high level of expertise and coordination. Thanks to the generosity and professionalism of the recovery team, this long-standing environmental hazard has now been successfully removed, improving both the ecological health and visual quality of the trail for future visitors.

Wild West Offroad Recovery generously donated their time, service, and specialized equipment to assist Tread Lightly! with the successful completion of this project.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Wild West Offroad Recovery
• CB Offroad Adventures
• Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office

“At CB Offroad Adventures, I make my living behind a camera, but our responsibility to the trails goes beyond the lens. Helping Wild West Offroad Recovery remove a vehicle that has sat on Crown King trail for over three years wasn’t just camera/recovery work; it was stewardship. Partnering with Tread Lightly reflects what we stand for: protecting access, preserving the land, and giving back to the off-road community.”-Chris Walker, CB Offroad Adventures 

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.

Read more at Tread Lightly!

That’s where Tread Lightly! (TL!) volunteers make a real difference.

Protecting Access Through Action

When off-roaders volunteer, we help keep routes open and usable by:

• Installing kiosks and signage that educate riders
• Packing out trash left by others
• Clearing downed trees and debris
• Fixing erosion and drainage issues
• Restoring overgrown or neglected trails
• Showing active, responsible use of the land
  

Well-maintained trails are less likely to be closed. Every volunteer hour helps the USFS justify funding, prioritize maintenance, and prove that motorized access matters.

Built by Riders, for Riders

Volunteering with TL! isn’t just about maintenance, it’s about protecting the places we love to explore. You’ll work alongside fellow off-roaders, learn hands-on skills, and be part of a community that believes access comes with responsibility.

If we want to keep riding tomorrow, we have to take care of the trails today.

Get Involved

Ready to help protect the roads and trails you ride?

Follow our events page to stay informed about upcoming volunteer opportunities, trail projects, and ways you can help keep public lands open.

Ride responsibly, volunteer locally, and Do Your Part to keep access open.

Read more at Tread Lightly!

Description: On January 14, 2026, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Recreation Technicians Boyd Logan, Brett Grizzle, and Sara Michelson from the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest came together to replace previously stolen and damaged Tread Lightly! Principles and map signs along Chattahoochee River Road (Forest Service Road 44). This important corridor serves as a key access point within the district and is frequently visited by Jeep riders, overlanders, and other off-road recreationists.

The sign replacement required careful planning and installation. Each sign was precisely drilled and mounted to ensure secure placement without damaging the sign surfaces, making the process time-intensive but essential for long-term durability and effectiveness.

These signs play a critical role in educating visitors about responsible recreation, Forest Service rules and regulations, and the proper use of officially designated Forest Service roads in the Chattahoochee River area. As one of the closest and most popular stopping points for off-highway vehicle users visiting the district, Chattahoochee River Road is a prime location for reinforcing the Tread Lightly! message and promoting sustainable, respectful use of public lands.

By restoring these educational signs, the project helps improve compliance, reduce resource damage, and ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy this area while protecting it for future generations.

Thank you to the partners who made this project possible:
• USFS – Chattooga River Ranger District, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
• BFGoodrich Tires

“Thank you to BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails and to Tread Lightly! for helping to replace the signs stolen from our forest road. We have a profound appreciation for the impact that Tread Lightly! is making on our district and we plan to continue educating visitors with the help of Tread Lightly!”-Sara Michelson, Forestry Technician, Chattooga River Ranger District, Chattahoochee-Oconee NF

“Tread Lightly! is so thankful for our partners who help us to fund projects with land managers all over the country with educational signage, and trail restoration and conservation efforts. Thank you BFGoodrich Tires and the Outstanding Trails Grant which helps us to Protect the Adventure for future generations!”-Lowell Eckart, Southeast Program Manager, Tread Lightly!

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.

Read more at Tread Lightly!

Description: On July 12, 2025, a total of 35 volunteers attending the Grand Design RV Rally came together in Finger Lakes National Forest to support a large-scale stewardship and restoration effort. The volunteer work day focused on cleaning up litter, improving campsite conditions, and supporting long-term forest health to ensure continued enjoyment of this treasured public land for future generations.

Volunteers worked across approximately 50 campsites and surrounding forest roads, removing trash that had accumulated from recreational use. Through their collective efforts, roughly 4,000 pounds of trash were gathered and properly removed, significantly improving the environmental quality and visitor experience throughout the area.

In addition to cleanup efforts, a dedicated group of volunteers assisted with forest restoration by installing 300 protective cages around newly planted oak seedlings. These cages will help safeguard the young trees from wildlife damage, supporting successful growth and long-term ecosystem resilience.

Overall, an estimated 30 miles of trails, campgrounds, and forest roads were positively impacted by the volunteer efforts during this project day. The event highlighted the power of collaboration between recreationists, conservation organizations, and agency partners, and demonstrated a shared commitment to responsible recreation and land stewardship.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Finger Lakes National Forest
• Grand Design RV
• National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)
• Tread Lightly!
• CorpsThat
• Lucky Hare Brewing Company

“The Finger Lakes National Forest is a small forest with a small staff. Despite its small stature, it’s a popular location for recreators visiting the area and has active programs in all facets of resource management. Engagement of partners and volunteers is integral to us accomplishing our mission and providing high quality recreation opportunities to the public. Support from Tread Lightly! has been vital for us keeping our forest clean and safe for visitors. Their support is a force-multiplier for our ability to garner more volunteer support and clean up popular recreation areas on the forest. Events supported by Tread Lightly! have resulted in hundreds of hours of volunteer support and engagement and removed many thousands of pounds of trash from the forest”-Matthew Kautz, Forestry Technician, Finger Lakes National Forests

“I want to thank Grand Design RV for integrating this wonderful volunteer project as part of their owner rally event in the Finger Lakes NF. It is through companies like Grand Design RV and many others that Tread Lightly! can help support the many trails, campgrounds and public lands, and Protect the Adventure for future generations of motorized users, campers, and overlanders. Removing trash from this forest and placing cages around the new seedling trees was a valuable contribution to the Finger Lakes National Forest staff.”-Lowell Eckart, Southeast Program Manager, Tread Lightly!

Read more at Tread Lightly!

Throughout the afternoon, participants focused on sorting, staging, and loading discarded tires that had accumulated across the district. With the help of a large trailer provided by Liberty Tire, the team successfully removed a total of 418 tires from the forest. Each tire removed represented one less hazard to wildlife, a reduced risk to local waterways, and improved access and safety for public land users.

The successful execution of this project was made possible through strong collaboration organized by the Venture Unknown Foundation. Liberty Tire played a critical role by ensuring the responsible recycling of the collected tires and Tread Lightly! contributed by helping secure funding through the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails Grant. Together, these efforts ensured that the necessary resources, logistics, and coordination were in place to complete the project efficiently and responsibly.

As a result of this collective effort, 418 tires are no longer part of the landscape of the Blue Ridge Ranger District, contributing to healthier ecosystems, safer recreation areas, and strengthened stewardship of public lands.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Blue Ridge National Forest
• Venture Unknown Foundation
• BFGoodrich Tires
• Liberty Tire

“When leadership from the Blue Ridge District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest reached out to Venture Unknown Foundation about hundreds of illegally dumped tires scattered across mountainsides, creeks, and forest service roads, it was clear this couldn’t be ignored.  We put together a plan of attack and reached out to the people we knew could help tackle this project to remove the tires and return the forest to its natural beauty. Liberty Tire would provide the trailers and hauling services to remove the tires.  Tread Lightly! helped secure funding through the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails grant program to help pay for the tire recycling. The final piece was to have the necessary boots on the ground to gather and load the tires into the trailer and the volunteers from Venture Unknown Foundation answered the call. This project is a clear example of what unity looks like in practice. Public agencies, private corporations, and 501(c)(3) organizations coming together with a shared purpose: to Restore the Outdoors and Protect the Adventure.”-Sean Clark, Chairman, Venture Unknown Foundation

“For Sweep Up The Southeast 2025, VUF and the Chattahoochee NF, Blue Ridge Ranger District partnered together to remove 418 tires that had been collected off the forest over approximately the last five years. Tire removal/recycling is quite expensive. These tires were collected across the forest off road banks, down mountains, and in water drains. This also isn’t possible without VUF’s commitment to help the Blue Ridge Ranger District staff maintain access to the forest and protect resources. Their time and effort, along with grants from Tread Lightly! and BFGoodrich Tires are greatly appreciated.”-Jake Beggs, Forestry Technician Blue Ridge Ranger District

Read more at Tread Lightly!

Richard’s leadership, passion, and hands-on commitment have long distinguished him as a driving force within the off-highway vehicle community. Though his work with TRAL, a partner nonprofit in Arizona, is primarily funded for projects within the Tonto National Forest, Richard has never limited his support to a single boundary line. In fact, one of the qualities most often mentioned by those who work with him is his unwavering willingness to help wherever he’s needed, no matter the forest, no matter the challenge.

Arizona is a state where 46% of the land is public and heavily used for OHV recreation, so the demands are immense. But thanks to Richard’s readiness to step in at any moment, that work becomes not just possible, but powerfully effective. His support has been nothing short of essential.

Richard has played key roles in:

• Extensive fire rehabilitation efforts throughout the Tonto National Forest
  
• Execution of major stewardship projects in the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest
  
• Vital trail and access initiatives in the Prescott National Forest
  
• Collaborative efforts in the Coconino National Forest
  

Whether organizing volunteers, operating equipment, navigating rugged terrain, or providing invaluable logistical expertise, Richard consistently goes above and beyond. His dedication to maintaining access to motorized trails, and doing so responsibly, embodies the very heart of Tread Lightly!’s mission.

As our Tread Lightly! Arizona Program Manager, Michelle Ramos, says, “My work would not be possible without Richard and the TRAL crew. I am truly thankful for his unwavering support and dedication to maintaining access to our motorized trails. His commitment makes him an invaluable asset in our efforts on public lands.”

Today, we’re honored to recognize Richard not just as a leader, but as a steward, a partner, a mentor, and a friend to countless individuals who care deeply about responsible outdoor recreation.

Congratulations, Richard, on being named the 2025 Tread Lightly! Ambassador of the Year. We are thrilled to honor you with a $500 grant to support future trail work, a custom Corbeau office chair, and a plaque from All Roads Taken. 

Read more at Tread Lightly!

Description: On November 10, 2025, Calvary Overland hosted the third annual Calvary Overland beach cleanup at Padre Island National Seashore. The event united 75 volunteers from the off-road and overland community, all sharing a strong commitment to conservation, stewardship, and responsible recreation.

Despite occurring during a government shutdown, the community significantly expanded its impact. Volunteers nearly doubled participation compared to the previous year and more than doubled trash removal, increasing from approximately 3,600 pounds last year to an impressive 7,760 pounds of trash and debris collected from the shoreline.

Approximately 40 properly equipped vehicles were used to safely access and exit remote sections of the beach. Volunteers worked throughout the day to remove marine debris and litter, helping restore the natural beauty and ecological health of the seashore.

This cleanup highlighted the power of community-led conservation and showcased the off-road and overland community’s dedication to protecting public lands for future generations.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
• Calvary Overland
• Mike Shaw Toyota
• MOORE Expo
• Save Our Shores Junk Removal
• The Elwood
• DEVOS Outdoor
• OGRE Offroad
• Off-Road Place
• The Tom Day Company
• BFGoodrich Outstanding Trails
• Real Truck
• OnX Off-Road
• North Texas CeraKote
• Karbach Brewing
• Scrubblade

“I want to sincerely thank Tread Lightly! and the funding provided through the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails grant program for your support of our Padre Island National Seashore beach cleanup. This project truly would not have been possible without your partnership and support.   We are already looking forward to a new goal of 15,000 lbs of trash removal on 15 miles of shoreline in 2026!”-Shannon Hodges  Co-Owner & Chief Events Officer, Calvary Overland

“Thank you to Calvary Overland, the many volunteers, BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails and so many other wonderful partners who helped support this annual National Seashore cleanup which grows every year.  It is so wonderful to see such a wonderful collaboration of work by caring motorized recreation users helping us Protect the Adventure for future generations!”-Lowell Eckart, Southeast Program Manager, Tread Lightly!

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.

Read more at Tread Lightly!

Description: On December 4, 2025, a dedicated team of seven Yokohama Tire volunteers, three U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff members, and Tread Lightly! returned to the Flatwoods OHV Trailhead parking area in Uwharrie National Forest for a second round of restoration work. This project built upon earlier stewardship efforts: in 2024, Yokohama Tire partnered with Tread Lightly! to install 10 new kiosk signs throughout the forest, with the Flatwoods OHV parking area serving as one of the highlighted improvement sites.

This year’s project focused on repairing a 50-foot section of perimeter fencing critical for keeping vehicles within the designated parking area and off sensitive vegetation and barrier mounds. These barriers play a vital role in preventing erosion, protecting habitat, and ensuring that riders stay on legal routes. Over time, the ground posts in this particular section had rotted and collapsed, leaving the area exposed. As a result, riders created an unauthorized hill climb obstacle, which accelerated erosion and encouraged off-trail travel, both serious concerns for resource health and motorized recreation management.

The volunteer team worked efficiently to restore the damaged fencing. They augered new post holes, cut replacement posts and cross rails, and fully rebuilt the degraded 50-foot section. What would have been a two-day USFS project was completed in just one morning thanks to the combined effort and coordination of all partners. After wrapping up, volunteers were able to enjoy lunch together followed by some recreational trail time.

This project demonstrates the value of collaboration between land managers, industry partners, and stewardship organizations. Together, these efforts help protect access, maintain sustainable recreation areas, and support the long-term health of Uwharrie National Forest.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:

• Yokohama Tire Corporation
• U.S. Forest Service – Uwharrie National Forest

“We are proud to support the important work that Tread Lightly! does and love that our employees are eager to lend a helping hand. Projects like this one at the Uwharrie National Forest are vital to help keep trails and parks open to all while working to support safe and responsibly off-road recreation.” – Melissa Aguirre, Manager, Brand Marketing, Yokohama Tire Co.

“A huge thank you to Tread Lightly! and Yokohama for your recent volunteer efforts to rebuild the railing at the Flatwoods off-highway vehicle trailhead in the Uwharrie National Forest. Your work plays an important role in protecting the area from resource damage, improving visitor safety, and supporting sustainable recreation. The partnership and support provided by Tread Lightly! and Yokohama help ensure that our OHV trailheads remain well-maintained and resilient. Your teams’ time, effort, and expertise are greatly appreciated by the staff who manage this forest and by the many visitors who rely on these facilities. Thank you again for your commitment to responsible land use and for contributing to the long-term stewardship of Uwharrie National Forest.” – Bradley Seat, Recreation Technician, Uwharrie National Forest

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events, and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.

Read more at Tread Lightly!

NORTH SALT LAKE, UT. (Dec. 3, 2025)— Tread Lightly!, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible recreation through stewardship and educational programs, today announced that Yokohama Tire has renewed its Official Partnership. The renewed partnership underscores Yokohama’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability, off-road trail conservation, and community engagement.

As part of the 2025–2026 partnership, Yokohama and Tread Lightly! will collaborate on several stewardship projects across the country in 2026. The project will focus on improving access, restoring trails, and protecting natural resources to ensure continued enjoyment for off-road enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

“Yokohama has been an incredible partner in advancing our mission,” said James Boyd Jr., Executive Director, Tread Lightly!. “Their support not only helps us protect vital recreation areas but also educates drivers on how to minimize their environmental impact.”

In addition to the stewardship efforts, Yokohama will support Tire Safety Week 2026, helping to raise awareness about tire maintenance, performance, and safety, core elements of Yokohama’s mission to promote responsible driving both on- and off-the-road.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Tread Lightly! and to make a tangible difference in protecting the outdoor spaces our customers love,” said Alan Holtschneider, Yokohama Tire’s senior director of marketing. “This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability, community, and responsible adventure.”

The partnership renewal builds on years of successful collaboration between Yokohama and Tread Lightly! and reinforces both organizations’ shared dedication to conservation, stewardship, and safe, responsible recreation.

For more information about Yokohama Tire, visit www.yokohamatire.com. To learn more about Tread Lightly! and its programs, visit www.treadlightly.org.

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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

About Yokohama Tire
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing an extensive sales network throughout the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology, innovation, sustainable manufacturing and environmentally conscious products. The company’s complete product line includes tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, and commercial truck and bus. For more information on Yokohama’s broad product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com and www.yokohamatruck.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Tires 101” section at www.yokohamatire.com

For more information contact:
Jerrica Archibald
[email protected]
801-627-0077

Read more at Tread Lightly!

Description: On November 8, 2025, Northology Adventures and Wisconsin Overland hosted a community-driven cleanup and campout in the Nicolet National Forest. Despite a federal government shutdown preventing U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff from attending in-person, volunteers pressed forward with strong remote support from the agency, assistance from Tread Lightly!, and critical supply funding from the BFGoodrich Outstanding Trails grant.

Community members took on elevated responsibility, coordinating the delivery and retrieval of a 25-yard dumpster, identifying the cleanup site near the headwaters of the Wolf River, gathering volunteers, and even pooling funds to cover rental costs. Slap Bang Bagel again fueled the team with a hearty trail lunch, while Northology ensured smooth logistics and a welcoming basecamp.

A total of 18 volunteers contributed 108 hours of stewardship work, removing and filling an entire 25-yard dumpster with trash from deep within the forest. Their efforts protected sensitive watershed areas, improved recreation quality, and demonstrated that strong stewardship can carry on even under challenging circumstances.

This cleanup underscored the resilience and commitment of the public lands community. Volunteers showed how responsible recreation and stewardship go hand in hand, ensuring the Nicolet National Forest remains healthy and accessible for years to come.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:

• BFGoodrich Tires
• Northology Adventures
• U.S. Forest Service
• Slap Bang Bagel
• onX Offroad
• Midland Radio 

“We’re out here because we love this place. Without community action, abandoned dump sites like this would continue to grow, harming wildlife, water, and the outdoor experience for everyone.”- August Rich, Volunteer

“The effort stands as a testament to what local recreators can accomplish when they work together—even without formal agency presence. It also reflects the ongoing commitment of Northology, Wisconsin Overland, and their supporters to care for the public lands they use and enjoy. Big thanks to Tread Lightly!, BFGoodrich Tires, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Service Laona Ranger station, Wisconsin Overland, Slap Bang Bagel, The MOORE Expo, onX Offroad, MidlandUSA, Radio Chatter and the volunteers and contributors who made this workday happen.”- Cindy Pope, Northology Adventures founder & Wisconsin Overland Admin

“A tremendous thank you to Northology Adventures and Wisconsin Overland for a wonderful project day incorporated into an overland camping weekend.  I also want to thank our valued partner BFGoodrich Tires for their grant funding provided through their Outstanding Trails Program.  It is through this type of effort that we are able to do such great work across the country through the collaboration of funding partners, recreation adventure groups, volunteers and land managers working together to help us all Protect the Adventure for future generations.  Thank you all!” – Lowell Eckart, Tread Lightly Southeast Program Manager

Read more at Tread Lightly!