by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
Knowledge is power may be a bit overused as a term, but it is hard to argue with the idea that the more you know, well, then the more you know.
It helps with gaining a better understanding of your Jeep and its products, as well as improving off-road performance.
And it certainly helps with preserving the environment and recognizing trail locations when you take your Jeep off pavement.
Which is why the recent signage installation project within the Chattooga River District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Suches, Georgia made for an important use of Quadratec’s 50-for-50 Trail Stewardship Initiative Grant.
Three volunteers helped install educational signage on three different roads within the national forest as the culmination of a six-month project that saw 16 new signs erected in the area in response to improper water crossings and vehicles not permitted on the road.
The signs display a map of the forest road, the user's current location, the T.R.E.A.D. principals and highlight what type of vehicles are permitted to access the road. Quadratec 50 for 50 funding allowed for the creation of signage for both sides of the river that informs riders of proper water crossing behavior in order to minimize impact to the fish and other species who make the river their home.
“The Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest is very appreciative of Tread Lightly!, the Quadratec 50 for 50 program and their assistance in creating and installing signage on Tread Lightly! principles. The signage we received will assist visitors in recreating on the forest in a safe and responsible manner and will help us mitigate natural resource damage on public lands. It is because of the help of partners such as Tread Lightly!, and corporate sponsors such as Quadratec that help fund their efforts, that we are able to do much of the work that we do. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Tread Lightly! to do more good things to provide recreational opportunities to the public. Thank you!” – Boyd Logan, Forestry Technician (Recreation)
This Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest signage installation project was the 28th of 50 trail and public land restoration events Quadratec will help sponsor in each state by April 2024.
So far through its supported projects, the 50-for-50 Stewardship Grant has accumulated 5,650 volunteer hours with a total value of $168,633, pulled away 95,785 pounds of trash and improved 704 miles of trail.
Quadratec’s ’50-for-50’ stewardship grant fund helps project managers pay for equipment, fees, volunteer support, food, fuel, signage and other miscellaneous costs.
Quadratec has been a supporting partner of Tread Lightly! for more than 20 years, and a longtime fundraiser for Tread Lightly!’s stewardship programs. The company has also promoted Tread Lightly! and other trail restoration efforts through its Quadratec Cares ‘Energize the Environment’ program.
Clubs and individuals are required to be active, supporting members of Tread Lightly! to be eligible to apply for ’50-for-50’ grant funding. To learn more about the Quadratec ’50-for-50 program, visit Quadratec's 50 for 50 Trails Stewardship Grant Initiative.
Recommended Reading:
Quadratec, Tread Lightly! ’50-For-50’ Public Land Cleanup — Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Quadratec's 50 State, 50 Trail Stewardship Initiative Reaches Halfway Mark
