BFGoodrich Tires, working in conjunction with Tread Lightly!® and United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), chose the Blacktail/Wild Bill National Recreation Trail as one of the 2008 Outstanding Trails because of its varying obstacles and spectacular views.  The trail also offers several opportunities for dirt bikes, ATV’s, snowmobiles and mountain bike enthusiasts to enjoy the 13-mile journey through the Flathead National Forest.

“The Blacktail/Wild Bill National Recreation Trail is unique in the world of off-roading because it has the perfect combination of obstacles and spectacular views making it a special fit for the 2008 Outstanding Trails program,” said Joe Mazur, light truck brand category manager for BFGoodrich Tires. “We’re honored to partner with the Skyliners Four Wheel Drive Club to help in the conservation efforts for this amazing off-road trail.”   

The Skyliners Four Wheel Drive Club is a non-profit, family oriented organization and supports Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation within the spirit of Tread Lightly. The club works in conjunction with other area clubs to assist in the maintenance and preservation of existing 4WD OHV opportunities and the creation of new opportunities where possible.

“We are so honored to have the Blacktail/Wild Bill National Recreation Trail named as one of the 2008 Outstanding Trails,” said Ivan Carpenter, president of Skyliners Four Wheel Drive Club. “This trail is unique in that it was one of the first trails to become a national recreational trail. Secondly, it is one of the few trails that also offers opportunities for dirt bikes, ATV’s, snowmobiles and mountain bikes. We are very pleased that this grant money can be used for the future of preserving this trail for everyone.”

Launched in 2006, the BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails program is dedicated to the responsible use, and preservation of, off-road trails while providing aid in the trails’ conservation efforts. Over the past two years, the Outstanding Trails program has recognized 11 off-road trails in nine states and one in Canada. The program has also given $42,000 in grants to clubs and seen more than 1,700 participants in trail events.

The following additional five trails have also been selected as part of the 2008 BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails program:

• ·         BlackCat  Trail located on Superstition Mountain near San Diego, California
• ·         Iron Range OHV Recreational Area in Gilbert, Minnesota
• ·         Quinn Trail that leads to Quinn Lake in Ottawa, Canada
• ·         Pritchett Canyon, one of the toughest trails in Moab, Utah
• ·         Beasley Knob OHV trail located near Blairsville, Georgia

To learn more about these trails, visit the Outstanding Trails Web site at www.bfgoodrichtires.com/outstandingtrails.

Both Tread Lightly! And UFWDA are non-profit organization dedicated to responsible and ethical outdoor recreation. BFGoodrich Tires collaborated with these two groups to select the finest off-road trails, and will continue to work with these organizations on restoration and education initiatives.

Tread Lightly!

Tread Lightly! is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to proactively protect recreation access and opportunities.  Tread Lightly!'s strategic educational message, along with its training and restoration initiatives are designed to instill an ethic of responsibility in outdoor enthusiasts and the industries that serve them.  The program is long-term in scope with a goal to balance the needs of the people who enjoy outdoor recreation with the needs of the environment and it’s leading the way to help remedy current and future recreation issues.  Tread Lightly! is proud to be recognized by the USDA Forest Service and its partner actively engaged in collaborating to implement solutions to the problem associated with outdoor recreation.

United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA)

United Four Wheel Drive Associations is the world’s leading representative of all-brand four wheel-drive enthusiasts.  UFWDA benefits, developed and tested true over the past 30 years, include four wheel drive safety and awareness education; user ethics programs such as adopt-a-road, conservation volunteer, and volunteer trail patrol; assistance with new club formation; education seminars to aid four wheelers through complex state and federal programs affecting trail access; Internet forums designed to connect members globally and instantaneously; and unrestrained member access to its full-time legislative advocate and nationally-recognized attorney working exclusively for four wheel drive enthusiasts to protect access and prevent road and trail closures.  For more information on the UFWDA log on to www.ufwda.org or call toll free 1-800-44-UFWDA (800-448-3932).

BFGoodrich Tires

Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock-crawling.  BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle.  Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.com