Volunteers gather at Manzanitia Mountains Trail System as part of the 25 Restoration forRecreation Projects for Tread Lightly!’s 25th Anniversary Program
Tijeras, NM. – April 23, 2016– Volunteers from the New Mexico 4-wheelers (NM4W), NMOHVA, and other local enthusiasts gathered in the Cibola National Forest near Tijeras, New Mexico, for a stewardship project as part of Tread Lightly!’s 25 for 25 program. The project was funded in part by the 25 Restoration for Recreation Projects for Tread Lightly!’s 25th Anniversary program in celebration of the nonprofit’s 25th anniversary to promote land conservation and responsible outdoor recreation.
The project consisted of removing graffiti from rock ledges known as “The Steps” along FR 542 and removing trash from all the 4WD routes in the area with the intention of protecting access to public lands, sustaining opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, and protecting valuable natural resources. The club came with 72 volunteers, broke up in to 5 teams and tackled the entire Cedro area removing all kinds of garbage (~400 cubic feet). “I’ll total that at 576 volunteer hours,” said Kerry Wood, Trails and Wilderness Program Manager for the Sandia Ranger District.
“Our organization is proud to put together such a positive and beneficial event,” said Frank Whiston, historian of NM4W and NMOHVA media manager. “We are thankful for Tread Lightly!’s involvement with this project, providing us with the means to maintain the natural beauty our community’s public lands.” This event also Kicks off NM4W’s participation in the Volunteer Trail Ambassador program, bringing a much needed 4WD presence for the program. NMOHVA applauds all of the motorcyclists who already participate.
Tread Lightly!’s 25 projects for 25 years is a program celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary as a non-profit. The program provides funding to 25 organizations across the country that are committed to spreading outdoor conservation and recreation through stewardship, communication and education.
