Tread Lightly! established its Restoration for Recreation(R) program in 1997. Since then, Tread Lightly!, its government partners, industry, and non-governmental partners, along with the sweat of volunteers have been transforming damaged and degraded areas into enjoyable recreation resources. The program also educates the public about outdoor ethics to minimize future impacts.
Unique by design, Restoration for Recreation generates capital from the private sector at a time when government recreation budgets are in intensive care on life support. Tread Lightly! and its partners match funding with public agency resources to rehabilitate dilapidated recreational facilities into environmentally and economically sustainable areas of beauty and enjoyment for generations to enjoy.
Background
Decades of ever increasing pressures from recreation, irresponsible recreation practices, aging facilities, and a lack of government funding have resulted in environmentally degraded recreation resources all across America. The backlog of needed maintenance and repairs for federal recreation sites alone is in the multi-billions of dollars with no sign of relief in the future. The very scenic vistas that people are flocking to see may not be sustained into the very near future. America’s great outdoors needs help!
To provide some relief to the enormous problem, Tread Lightly! established its Restoration for Recreation program. Tread Lightly! expands the good works and goodwill of Restoration for Recreation by bringing our partners including corporations, federal, state and local land management agencies, and private organizations together with local community volunteers to work towards a common goal-- restoring recreational areas and educating the public about responsible recreation to allow for future recreation.
Tread Lightly! provides expertise and guidance to its partners by administering the restoration and educational elements of each project. Initial funding for a project is generated through Tread Lightly!’s Official Sponsors making them Partners in Restoration & Education. In most cases, Tread Lightly! finds government and foundation partners willing to provide additional funding, leveraging as many investments as possible. A strong educational element incorporated into every project includes Tread Lightly! presentations in local schools, near a project, empowering the next generation to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
Essential to the Restoration for Recreation program and every project’s success are local and regional community volunteers. Throughout a project, Tread Lightly! works to promote the good works of all the stakeholders with a concerted public relations effort including press releases and celebratory kick-off and completion events.
Benefits for Partners
Tread Lightly! Restoration for Recreation partners receive recognition through as many Tread Lightly! materials and mediums as possible. Some of the benefits of Restoration for Recreation include:
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enhanced enjoyment by improving the quality of recreation experiences;
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long-term conservation of the great outdoors allowing for continued use of recreation resources;
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educating the public about responsible recreation and outdoor ethics to minimize undesirable behaviors;
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an opportunity to make a difference and collaborate with others with common beliefs and principles;
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significantly enhanced image resulting from demonstrated commitment and concern for outdoor resources; and
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permanent recognition through signage placed in a visible area at each project highlighting Tread Lightly!’s partners and their contributions.
Successful Partnership Projects
To see pictures from and learn more about some of these Restoration for Recreation projects Click Here
Telluride, Colorado – Nissan North America, Inc. · Cape Cod, Maine – Mercedes-Benz USA Farmington Bench, Utah & Pikes National Forest, Colorado – American Honda Motor Company, Inc. · Stillwater Pass, Colorado & Heber, Utah as part of Building Bridges, a customized program for Mitsubishi Motors Sales of America · San Bernardino, California & Peter’s Mill Creek, Virginia as part of a customize program Cayenne Crossing – Porsche Cars North America · Mendocino National Forest Northfork Campground Restoration, Teton National Forest Gros Ventre Trail Repair, Border Riders North Trail Improvements, Maine, as part of the HUMMER Helps grant program – HUMMER Division, General Motors.
Opportunities for Involvement
Restoration for Recreation is a winning opportunity for all involved. Whether it is restoring a damaged stretch of multi-use trails, rehabilitating a boat ramp, or repairing campgrounds, the kind of Restoration for Recreation projects we can execute, in partnership, are virtually limitless. Customized campaigns, under the umbrella of the Restoration for Recreation program, are developed exclusively for Tread Lightly!’s Official Partners. For more information on expanding the good works of Restoration for Recreation call 1-800-966-9900 or email us.
Donate to Restoration for Recreation
Individuals can donate to a region of their choice by clicking on the image above.
