18 Mar Tread Lightly! Impact Report: Florida Trail Team Challenge and Kiosk Installation
Project: Florida Trail Team Challenge and Kiosk Installation
State: Florida
Description: On October 25, 26, and 27, 2024, the Florida Trail Team Challenge, an annual competition, was held in the Withlacoochee State Forest on the Citrus Tract Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
This engaging event drew together over 50 dedicated volunteers and 26 competitors, all eager to test their skills and endurance in a variety of forest road challenges. The competition was designed to mimic real-life scenarios that seasoned four-wheel drive enthusiasts might encounter while exploring the thousands of acres available for motorized recreation across the nation.
The two-member teams faced a different set of challenges each day, spanning across the three days they spent in the state forest. These challenges ranged from navigating terrain to performing precise maneuvers, each earning them points based on their successful completion.
In addition to the forest road challenges, competitors were also tasked with community service initiatives to earn extra points. Sponsored in part by Tread Lightly!, four kiosks featuring informational panels about environmentally responsible off-roading were installed. Three of these kiosks were strategically placed within the Citrus Tract (WMA), which contains 110 miles of accessible forest roads, while the fourth was installed in the nearby Croom Tract (WMA), offering over 50 miles of accessible forest roads.
The idea of adding the kiosk and informational signage was the brainchild of Marc Lawson, Tread Lightly! supporter and the primary promoter of the Trail Team Challenge. Tread Lightly! had new signs and kiosks that needed to be installed within Withlacoochee State Forest, and Marc said “Let’s just make the installation one of the challenges of the competition.” With this important forest work being done, Florida Off-Road Foundation became the Title Sponsor of this competition that performed motorized stewardship work in this beautiful forest.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
“Thank you for such a wonderful group of volunteers and partners who made this amazing “competition challenge” come to fruition. With partnership from Florida Off-Road Foundation and Florida Trail Team Challenge, we were able to install four kiosks and eight educational kiosk signs in the Citrus and Croom tracts of Withlacoochee State Forest. Special thanks to Marc Lawson for incorporating this stewardship project into the Trail Team Challenge Event!” – Lowell Eckart, Tread Lightly! Southeast Program Manager
“The Florida Trail Team Challenge’s annual Off-Road competition not only offered participants a chance to showcase their off-roading capabilities but also fostered a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Through their involvement in the event, competitors and volunteers alike contributed to the maintenance and enhancement of the local wildlife management areas, ensuring their sustainability for future recreational use.”- Marc Lawson, Florida Trail Team Challenge Event Promoter
“The event’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all those involved, from the organizers and volunteers to the sponsors and competitors. It highlights the importance of responsible motorized recreation and the positive impact it can have on our natural landscapes.”- Don Cox, Florida Trail Team Challenge and Tread Lightly! Volunteer
Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.
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