13 May Tread Lightly! announces new Oregon Program Manager

NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah (May 13, 2024)— Tread Lightly!, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the responsible use of motorized vehicles through conservation and educational programs today announced the addition of a new Oregon Program Manager, Ellen Wayte. 

As a Program Manager, Wayte will create and foster relationships with the land managers and enthusiasts that allow for the implementation of Tread Lightly!’s stewardship, education, and outreach programs in the state of Oregon.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ellen to the team and grow Tread Lightly!’s impact in Oregon,” said Matt Gaskins, Tread Lightly! Executive Director. “Her experience and enthusiasm will be a huge support in our mission to Protect the Adventure.”

Wayte has spent over a decade as an overlanding tour leader, scuba and freediving instructor, naturalist, and park ranger. As a tour leader, she has led adventure experiences through over 40 countries on five continents. She has guided clients on overland expeditions from Cape Town to Cairo, across the Silk Road, South America, and the Indian subcontinent, as well as through her favorite locations in her home state of Oregon.

Ellen’s love for the outdoors was nurtured in her early years in Alaska and Oregon, where she spent summers camping, fishing, and exploring. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a BS from the University of Oregon.

“I’m thrilled to bring a lifetime passion for outdoor exploration and conservation to the Tread Lightly! team,” said Wayte. “Sharing the Tread Lightly! ethos is critical if we want to work together to protect Oregon’s outdoor spaces.”   

Since 2020, the Tread Lightly! team has grown from eight staff to 16, with the addition of Wayte. Tread Lightly! also has staff onsite in the Eastern and Southeastern US, Great Lakes region, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona. Additional locations are planned as resources become available.

To learn more about the Tread Lightly! team visit www.treadlightly.org.

About Tread Lightly!
Tread Lightly! is a non-profit organization that leads a national initiative to promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors. Its goal is to balance the off-road and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users’ need for adventure with the need to conserve the places where they ride and explore. Individuals and businesses can commit to Tread Lightly! and protect outdoor access by becoming a member at www.treadlightly.org.

For more information contact:
Jerrica Archibald
jerrica@treadlightly.org
801-627-0077