01 May Tread Lightly! Impact Report: Kelly Motorized Trail Signage Project

Project: Kelly Motorized Trail Signage Project
Location: Arizona

Description: On January 4, 2024, five volunteers installed fourteen Tread Lightly! educational signs and map panels along the Kelly Motorized Trail in the Coconino National Forest.

The signs were produced in collaboration with the National Forest Foundation and provide new maps of the motorized trail, responsible motorized use messaging, historical information, trail etiquette and a reminder of the T.R.E.A.D. Principles to help educate riders on the importance of protecting this trail system.

Thank you to the partners who made this possible:

• National Forest Foundation
• Coconino National Forest
• AZ State Parks
• Munds Park Trail Stewards
• Coconino Trail Riders

“The Kelly Motorized Trail system is located just south of Flagstaff, Arizona, and provides roughly 105 miles of motorized singletrack and OHV trails. This system sees heavy use and faces challenges like illegal off-road use, undesignated campfires, litter, and riders under 18 not wearing a helmet. Using Polaris funding, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) worked with Tread Lightly! to create kiosk panels for five trailheads within the Kelly Motorized Trail System for the U.S. Forest Service on the Coconino National Forest.

NFF worked with Tread Lightly! to design and produce the trailhead kiosk panels. Kiosk signage included a rules and regulations panel, a map panel, and an interpretive panel. The kiosks and signage support the Forest Service in sharing and enforcing important responsible recreation messaging, guiding motorized users on designated trails, and providing information about the area.”-Jeny Davis, Southern Rockies Program Associate, National Forest Foundation

“Working with Tread Lightly! and National Forest Foundation on this impactful project was a fun and easy collaboration. Both are great partners that the Coconino National Forest is happy to have support from while continuing to provide recreation opportunities and educate visitors about responsible use of public lands. Many thanks to everyone involved!”-Matt Sommer, US Forest Service

Want to get involved in your own Tread Lightly! project? Find upcoming activities, events and grant opportunities at treadlightly.org.