Dutch Fred Celebrates Completion

On September 21, 2002, Shelby and Jared McBain, on dirt bikes, broke the ribbon to the beginner's trail of the Dutch Fred Gulch Motorized Recreation Area on the Pike National Forest. The ceremonious ribbon breaking signaled the official reopening of the area after nearly three years of rehabilitation. State and local dignitaries, as well as 30-40 volunteers, attended the ceremony.

Dutch Fred, through Tread Lightly!'s Restoration for Recreation program, has seen many enhancements to this popular trail system. Hillsides degraded by irresponsible use were reseeded and closed off. New trails were then constructed and in some areas hardened to provide for sustainable recreational use into the future. Restroom and parking facilities were constructed to accommodate the high numbers of recreational visitors who frequent the area.

With a high emphasis on family riding, the Dutch Fred area now provides a safe area, the kid's corral, for smaller children to ride where parents can supervise, guide and instruct their children on proper riding techniques. A beginner's loop trail now winds through the beautiful Pike National Forest providing young riders with age appropriate challenges and educational tips on kiosks located throughout the trail's entirety. Lori Davis, Executive Director for Tread Lightly!, commented at the ribbon cutting ceremony, "This area now offers a very unique opportunity for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts to learn proper riding techniques and the principles of Tread Lightly! in a safe and beautiful environment."

This project was made possible through many partners in this multi-year effort including American Honda Motor Company, Inc.; Colorado State Parks Trails Program; the U.S. Forest Service; the Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee; and Fay Meyers Honda Dealership in Denver, Colorado.

--For more information on this project or on Tread Lightly!'s Restoration for Recreation program go to Tread Lightly!'s website at www.treadlightly.org.