19 Apr Tread Lightly! announces new Utah Program Manager

NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah (Apr 19, 2023)— Tread Lightly!, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs today announced the addition of a new Utah Program Manager, Brett Pennefather.  

As the Utah Program Manager, Pennefather will create and foster relationships with the land managers that allow for the implementation of Tread Lightly!’s stewardship, education, and outreach programs.

Pennefather grew up in a small farming village in rural South Africa, which instilled a passion for nature, outdoor adventures, and respect for the land. Adventures were a common family pastime and he was fortunate to participate in a wide variety that included, whitewater kayaking, rafting, motorcycling and full-size 4×4 exploration, hiking, camping, and cycling.

He has a keen interest in people and their relationship with the environment which steered him to a National Diploma in Nature Conservation from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. After working in the safari industry in South Africa, he embarked on an international career of whitewater rafting, kayaking and canyoneering guiding in Scotland, Morocco, Nepal, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, New Zealand, and Uganda.

Pennefather and his wife moved to Utah for all the outdoor opportunities that the state has to offer. He spent a year and a half as a field producer for a Salt Lake City based TV show “At Your Leisure” where he got to spend quality time in the Utah outdoors, meeting and sharing experiences with diverse enthusiasts across the state.

“Brett’s unique background and love of conservation will be a huge asset to the Tread Lightly! team,” said Matt Caldwell, Tread Lightly! Executive Director. “We look forward to improving Tread Lightly!’s impact across the state of Utah with Brett’s passion and expertise.”

Since 2020, the Tread Lightly! team has grown from eight staff to 13, with the addition of Pennefather. With the addition of new hires and some staff relocation, the team now has staff onsite in the Eastern US, 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 national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible recreation through stewardship programs and ethics education. Tread Lightly!’s educational message, along with its unique training and restoration initiatives are strategically designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them. The program is long-term in scope with a goal to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with our need to maintain a healthy environment. Tread Lightly!’s award-winning materials, programs and services are solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing recreation issues. 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