Recently, the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association and the Department of Natural Resources in Washington State have signed an Adopt-a-Trail agreement for the maintenance of an almost 2 mile stretch in the Sadie Creek trail area. This is an idea most 4-wheel riding groups can take to heart, if you want to help keep your favorite 4-wheeler riding locations open, adopting a trail is a great way to show your group is serious about keeping the area as impact free from not only your 4-wheeler riding group but other people as well. Adopting a trail means that you keep the 4-wheeler riding trails free of trash and debris, keep them well maintained and not overgrown and if you see people littering or causing damage; instruct them on proper trail etiquette without being confrontational. The DNR generally will allow only organized 4-wheeler groups to adopt a trail so if you're looking to get involved, you will need to join or form a riding group.
The DNR strives to optimize the 4-wheeler experience by keeping trails and roads well maintained and there are more trails than can be kept up without the help of the public. This is where adopting a trail comes in. It allows the public at large to have a part in the process of trail creation, maintenance and general upkeep.
This is a great learning opportunity for children. If you are a family that loves to get out on the weekends and ride your 4-wheelers, your kids can learn a lot through Adopt a Trail. Seeing how just the trash left behind from a few irresponsible individuals will make keeping the trails up and clean will become a serious business. They will also learn basic trail building techniques, water quality information, how hydrology works, weathering of trails in different landscapes, how timbering plays a part in forests and how to maintain an area for the enjoyment of future ATV generations.
No matter where you are located, the DNR's program of adopting trails is a voluntary exercise. If you are noticing your favorite riding areas are getting run down or need help, contact your state's department of natural resources and find out which groups near you are active in the program. If none are, consider forming your own 4-wheel riding group and keep your favorite riding areas open!
