News
TREAD LIGHTLY! INTRODUCES NEW MASCOT TO FURTHER ITS MESSAGE OF “LEAVING A GOOD IMPRESSION”
OGDEN, UT – Tread Lightly!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible outdoor recreation, today introduced its first-ever mascot in the group’s 15-year history.
The Mascot is a cute, energetic gray squirrel that was created to appeal primarily to Tread Lightly!’s youth audiences. His likeness will soon begin appearing primarily on the organization’s school curriculum materials, including educational publications and coloring/activity books.
Launched in 1985, Tread Lightly! was formed on ideals similar to the well-known Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl programs, both of which advocated the preservation of the great outdoors. Tread Lightly!, however, had never used a mascot to help champion its cause.
Recently, the organization evaluated the efficacy of its youth education programs over the years. Based on feedback received from members and sponsors, Tread Lightly! determined that a friendly, approachable “spokesfigure” could enhance its outreach in the schools.
“Of all the animals we could choose from, we decided that a squirrel best represented our core message of enjoying and respecting the great outdoors,” said Lori Davis, executive director of Tread Lightly!. “These intelligent, gentle creatures seek balance within their surroundings, and they adapt easily to their environment as well as being very protective of it.”
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Contract Signed for maintenance of Sutherland's Track
Tread Lightly! corporate Member, the Akatarawa Recreational Access Committee (ARAC) has signed what is seen as a landmark contract with the Department of Conservation.
For the first time ever, a voluntary organisation is not only taking over responsibility for the maintenance of this remote back-country trail, but is also to become the permit-issuing authority for the area.
ARAC have been ardent Tread Lightly! supporters since their formation in 1997 (visit their web site http://arac.org.nz) and continue to promote Tread Lightly! values through their ever expanding divisions.
With upwards of 3,500 Members in the Greater Wellington region, they are a formidable advocacy group representing all outdoor recreational pursuits.
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Waiotauru Road contract renewed
Another ARAC venture, in fact the second division to be established, the Waiotauru group has just renewed its maintenance contract with DOC for keeping this south Tararua track open for all. They also choose to keep up the maintenance of the Waiotauru Hut, which would otherwsie have been removed under DOC policy.
The heavy weather of late 2003 and early 2004 has reaked havoc with many areas, and Waiotauru is no exception.
Shoulld you decide to venture this way, do take care - especially beyond the 11Km mark when the track narrows for its descent to the valley floor.
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Huts trashed in Wellington area
Two huts in the Wellington area have been seriously trashed over the past few months. The famous Orange Hut in the Akatarawa Forest was given a thorough going over during Xmas 2003, and the Waiotauru Hut in the southern Tararuas just a few weeks before.
Pleas3e keep an eye out for such events, but please don't take the law into your own jands. Rather take details such as registration numbers etc., and advise the authorities.
Both huts are being repaired and renovated by their respective support groups, so should be back ship-shape pretty soon.
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Based in Ogden, Utah, Tread Lightly! is a non-profit organization that is an ethical and educational force among outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them. Tread Lightly! annually carries out programs designed to instill a proactive, low-impact message among enthusiasts, manufacturers, advertising agencies, the media and children of all ages.
New Mascot for Tread Lightly!