GREENVILLE, SC – BFGoodrich Tires today announced that nominations are now open for the 2014 Outstanding Trails program. The competition invites off-road clubs from around North America to submit trails in their area they believe are worthy of a grant for maintenance or refurbishing. Trails are selected based on uniqueness, terrain type and enthusiast following.
Now in its ninth year, the Outstanding Trails program is conducted in collaboration with United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) and Blue Ribbon Coalition and is dedicated to the responsible use and preservation of off-road trails while promoting the trails’ conservation efforts. To date, the program has awarded grants to 33 off-road trails nominated by 32 clubs throughout North America. The program has provided more than $130,000 in grants in support of the various trails’ conservation efforts.
“Off-road communities are vital for BFGoodrich as they embody the spirit and enthusiasm for the sport and for our products,” said Duane Thomas, brand communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires, “The Outstanding Trails program is a great source of pride for us, and being able to give back to this community by helping to maintain and refurbish the most deserving trails in North America is our way of showing appreciation.”
Consumers can register at the BFGoodrich Tires FORCE community page at bfgoodrichtiresforce.com between February 19, 2014 and March 21, 2014, to register and post their nominations for trails to be considered for the competition. BFGoodrich will select three trails and announce the winners at the Easter Jeep Safari on April 16, 2014.
Previous winners of Outstanding Trails grants include:
Outstanding Trails and Clubs (2006-2013)
2013
Dutch John Trail, N.C. – The Carolina Trail Blazers 4WD Club
Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, Kan. – The Brush Beater Jeep Club
Truckhaven, Calif. – Tierra Del Sol
2012
Mirror Lake Trail, Calif. – Visalia Lock and Low 4-Wheel Drive Club
Blanca Peak Trail, Colo. – Creeper Jeepers Gang of Durango
Bents and Dents Trail, Ala. – Central Alabama Off-Road Society
2011
Interlake Trail 19, Ind. – Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association
Morrison Jeep Trail, Wyo. – Magic City 4-Wheelers Inc.
Dusy-Ershim OHV Route, Calif. – Four Wheel Drive Club of Fresno
2010
Rausch Creek, Pa. – PA Jeeps
Drummond Island, Mich. – Drummond Island Off-Road Club
Yacolt, Wash. – Crystal Crowder
Johnson Valley, Calif. – Victor Valley 4 Wheelers
Holy Cross, Colo. – Big Horn Jeep Club
2009
Barnwell, Texas – Texas Motorized Trails Coalition
Fordyce Creek, Calif. – Friends of Fordyce Club
2008
Superstition Mountain, Calif. – San Diego 4 Wheelers Off-Road Club
Blacktail/Wild Bill National Recreation Trail, Mont. – Skyliners Four Wheel Drive Club, Inc.
Iron Range, Minn. – Northern Minnesota Jeepers Club
Pritchett Canyon, Utah – Moab Friends-For-Wheelin’ Club
Quinn Trail, Ontario, Canada – Ottawa Valley Offroaders Club
Beasley Knob, Ga. – Georgia Bounty Runners 4WD Club
2007
Rubicon, Calif. – The Rubicon Trail Foundation
Flat Nasty, Mo. – Capital City Crawlers
Tillamook, Ore. – Raven Off-Road OHV Club
Redbird, Ind. – Four Wheels to Freedom 4WD Club
Poughkeepsie Gulch, Colo. – Western Slope 4-Wheelers
Whipsaw Trail, B.C. – Rover-Landers of British Columbia
2006
Naches Pass, Wash. – Pacific Northwest Four-Wheel Drive Association
Upper Tellico, N.C. – Southern Four Wheel Drive Association
Pyeatt Draw, Ariz. – Rim Country 4 Wheelers
Black Bear Pass, Colo. – Creeper Jeepers Gang of Durango
Hell’s Revenge, Utah – Red Rock 4-Wheelers, Inc.
About the Outstanding Trails Program
The BFGoodrich Tires Outstanding Trails program was established in 2006 to raise awareness for responsible use and preservation of off-road trails while providing support in the trails’ conservation efforts.
Both UFWDA and Blue Ribbon Coalition are non-profit organizations dedicated to responsible and ethical outdoor recreation. BFGoodrich Tires collaborated with these two groups to select the finest off-road trails and continues to work with these organizations on restoration and education initiatives.
United Four Wheel Drive Associations is the world’s leading representative of all-brand, four wheel-drive enthusiasts. UFWDA benefits, developed and tested over the past 30 years, include four-wheel-drive safety and awareness education; such user ethics programs 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 instantly connect members globally; and unlimited member access to its full-time legislative advocate and nationally recognized attorney who works 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.
The BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is a national non-profit organization that champions responsible recreation and encourages a strong conservation ethic and individual stewardship, while providing leadership in efforts to keep outdoor recreation alive and well — all sports; all trails. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, participation in the administrative process, outreach, education and collaboration among recreationists. BRC works with land managers to provide recreation opportunities preserve resources and promote cooperation with other public land users. BRC is recognized nationwide for its credible staff of landuse and recreation professionals, as well as a legal team with nearly 30 years of accomplishments. Learn more at www.BlueRibbonCoalition.Org).