Monday, April 20, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE - Embrace Land-Use Ethos as Parks Reopen

New Tread Lightly! Covid-19 Poster

QWR appreciates the efforts by our friends and fellow trail enthusiasts at Tread Lightly! to encourage a common sense land-use ethos for use by recreationists in areas that are under county, state, or federal COVID-19 shutdown directives or orders.

TREAD LIGHTLY!

The Governor of Utah has a very simple “Stay Home and Stay Safe” message for those of us who like to enjoy the great outdoors.  His directive encourages residents and visitors to refrain from long distance recreational travel at this time.  That same message is also being echoed by many other government agencies and non-profit organizations.

LINK TO UTAH MESSAGE

The Forest Service has a similar message on their national website that they are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously and are following USDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health guidance as they continue to offer services to the public. Visitors to National Forests and Grasslands are urged to take the precautions recommended by the CDC.

The Forest Service also has an easy to use icon on their website where you can go to get the latest COVID-19  information on any National Forest in the country. 

LINK TO FS COVID-19 INFORMATION

As many of you know, our land agencies are working hard to keep recreational opportunities for local residents available during the COVID-19 crisis.  There are both HARD and SOFT restrictions of varying degrees based on state/federal guidance county health officer orders.

As local/state/federal recreation sites start to reopen after winter seasonal closures or as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, it is important for trail enthusiasts to embrace a strong land-use ethic out of respect for our partners and friends.

Complying with existing trail management rules and regulations during casual use now can help ensure that county, state, and federal agencies will authorize permits – when the time comes - for competition and club events that occur on either public or private lands.

Rules, restrictions, and reopening efforts are changing on a daily basis.  As the Tread Lightly! poster suggests, it remains important to always check with the land agency before you travel to an area.   

Stay well!  

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