Educating Winter Recreationists
Winter Wildlands Alliance, in collaboration with Tread Lightly, is leading educational initiatives to enhance winter travel plans on Stanislaus and Lassen National Forests, promoting responsible recreation for all.
Photo Display mock-up by Keri Davis @SharpEndDesigns
What has been accomplished?
After years of planning, winter travel plans have been completed on the Stanislaus and Lassen National Forests, and implementation is underway. A significant component of this implementation is education, achieved through new signage, brochures, and online resources. Winter Wildlands Alliance has been busy working on these educational materials in partnership with the long-time motorized recreation ethics promotor, Tread Lightly and with our grassroots partner, Snowlands Network.
What is the timeline?
We completed Stanislaus National Forest winter recreation materials in late August of 2024, and we anticipate all eleven of the new signs will be posted for winter 2024-2025.
The Summit Ranger District Ski and Snowshoe trail map was released in Spring of this year and includes versions in both Spanish and English to better support the diversity of winter visitors.
How will trip planning be made easier?
New maps help users understand the boundaries and restrictions put in place by the winter travel plan. Educational information encourages users to enjoy winter ecosystems safely and respectfully, and provides etiquette for interacting with other users.
Additionally, the newly completed, more user-friendly Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) map for the Calaveras Ranger District will help to make trip planning easier for all winter recreationists. Historically, the maps issued directly by the Forest Service are useful for land managers but are crowded and difficult to read for the average visitor. By designing more streamlined maps that everyone can read, responsible recreation becomes more accessible. These maps are posted at trailheads and online, accompanied by text on etiquette and safety considerations.
What is next?
The meetings we had planned to begin work with the Lassen National Forest to develop educational materials are on temporary pause while the forest responds to the Park Fire. Fortunately, we will be able to adapt the materials created for the Stanislaus, expediting the process once it can resume.
The collaboration between organizations representing all user groups in the implementation phase of winter travel planning in California sets a hopeful tone for the future of winter recreation management on all public lands.
Why is education important?
As rules are updated, new users join in the fun, and understandings of best practices improve, it is important for land managers and major user groups to keep people informed in order to lessen conflicts between users, wildlife, and the land. When expectations are clear, it minimizes violations and allows public land users to focus on enjoying their time outdoors rather than dealing with negative interactions or fellow users not respecting cherished areas. Winter Wildlands Alliance remains committed to working towards improved education for winter recreation users so that we can continue to enjoy the snowscapes that we love for generations to come.
