United Four Wheel Drive Associations
An International Organization

Introducing: The UFWDA Conservation Volunteer Award Program

Each year recreationists donate thousands of hours of their time through a variety of projects to maintain their favorite recreation areas. Volunteer efforts are more important than ever to ensure everyone enjoys a quality recreation experience.

In order to acknowledge the volunteer efforts, United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA) is introducing the Conservation Volunteer Award program. While the main focus of UFWDA is to advocate access to public lands for motorized recreation, many of our members participate in multiple forms of recreation; including but not limited to hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, bicycle riding, and gem and mineral collection.

We recognized the positive health and social benefits that can be achieved through outdoor activities. We also recognize that motorized recreation provides the small business owners in the local communities a significant financial stimulus. Our members are directly affected by management decisions concerning public land use.

The UFWDA members subscribe to the concepts of: 1) public access to public lands for their children and grandchildren; 2) condition and safety of the environment; and 3) sharing our natural heritage. The general public desires access to public lands now and for future generations. Limiting access today deprives our children the opportunity to view the many natural wonders of public lands. The general public is deeply concerned about the condition of the environment and personal safety. They desire wildlife available for viewing and scenic vistas to enjoy. They also want to feel safe while enjoying the natural wonders. Lastly, the public desires to share the natural heritage with friends and family today as well as in the future. How can our children learn and appreciate our natural heritage when native species are allowed to deteriorate and historic routes are routinely blocked or eradicated from existence?

Volunteer efforts help members of the public enjoy a quality recreation experience. The UFWDA Volunteer Conservation Award is our way of recognizing these volunteer efforts. These efforts include Adopt-a-Trail work, clean-up events, restoration efforts, and other activities that promote environmental stewardship.