Protecting the Environment: Tread Lightly!

Obtain maps and learn about regulations governing ATVs where you plan to ride. Remember, decisions you make while operating an ATV can affect the future availability of off-road riding for yourself and others.

• Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a spark arrestor to prevent forest fires.
• Don’t run over young trees, shrubs, and grasses, which may kill or damage them.
• Avoid areas that are damaged easily by your tires, such as meadows, steep hillsides, stream banks, and lake shores.
• Cross streams only at designated bridge crossings.
• Stay on designated roads and trails. Don’t blaze a new trail or take shortcuts.
• Stay off soft, wet trails that are damaged easily by vehicles.
• When riding with others, travel in single file to avoid making unnecessary tracks.
• Be courteous when you meet others on the trail and yield the right-of-way. If you encounter someone riding a horse, it’s best to turn off your engine to avoid spooking the animal.
• Stay clear of wild animals, and avoid disturbing livestock.
• Respect closed gates and regulatory signs.
• Stay out of designated wildlife areas.
• Get permission to travel across private land.
• When conditions like wet or muddy trails make your action destructive, turn back or take an alternate route.