The BFGoodrich® Tires Outstanding Trails program was established in 2006 to raise awareness for responsible use and preservation of off-road trails while providing aid in the trails’ conservation efforts. Through 2010, the Outstanding Trails program has recognized 24 off-road trails and 24 clubs across 16 states and two in Canada. The program has provided more than $90,000 in grants in support of the various trails conservation efforts.

Both Tread Lightly!® and UFWDA 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 will continue to work with these organizations on restoration and education initiatives.

The Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association, in conjunction with the Boonie Riders and Bluegrass 4x4 (Kentucky club), nominated Trail 19 at Interlake SRA. On April 21st, BFGoodrich announced that this trial had been select as an Outstanding Trail for 2011!

On June 4th, National Trails Day, the Boonie Rides and Bluegrass 4x4 scheduled a work day and trail ride. We were joined by Marcus Baffoe-Bonnie (VP - North American Marketing for BFG) and Pat Brower (United Four Wheel Drive Assoc.). Marcus presented IFWDA and the Boonies with a plaque and a check for $4000. Our guests also pitched in for the cleanup, and went on a quick trail ride. Lunch was a pitch-in affair, with the grill run by Dave from Bill and Dave’s BBQ in Tell City, and much needed COLD drinks provided by IFWDA.

About Interlake and Trail 19
Trail 19 is located on the south-eastern area of the property, just north of the new parking area. Interlake SRA is former coal mine land straddling Pike and Warrick Counties, is now open as a multi-use recreational facility. Interlake is approximately 3550 acres of land with three separate eras of mining and reclamation. From steep rugged spoil banks to rolling hilly grasslands, man-made lakes and final cut strip pits, Interlake is a diverse array of topography and scenic views.

Trail 19 is one of the few trails in the area that can be attempted in a stock or mild vehicle. This two-track runs along one of the property’s many ridges, with several moderate climbs, small mud holes, and off-camber situations. Just enough to give the new four-wheeler a thrill, with a low risk of body damage! Volunteers have also marked out a new “more difficult” extension, dubbed “3 Stones” for the 3 car-sized boulders the trail traverses. This extension still needs cut in, some erosion control put in place, and properly marked.

If you have not yet visited Interlake SRA, you need to put it on your list! Camping is available in nearby Lynnville, IN. Hotels and restaurants are just down the road near Evansville.

Special thanks to the people and groups that made this all happen, and will continue working to make MORE outstanding trails:
Rich Reisz (Boonies and IFWDA), Ryan Sweany (IFWDA), Marcus Baffoe-Bonnie (BFG), Pat Brower (UFWDA), Carman Jackson (Indiana DNR), Mike McLeod (Bluegrass 4x4), Tom Hartman (Friends of Interlake), and all of the Boonies and Bluegrass guys and gals!

Links from this story:
Indiana Four Wheel Drive Association (www.ifwda.org)
Boonie Riders (www.boonieriders.org)
Bluegrass 4x4 (www.bluegrass4x4.org)
United Four Wheel Drive Associations (www.ufwda.org)
BF Goodrich Outstanding Trails Program (www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgapp/outstandingtrails/details.html)
Interlake SRA (www.in.gov/dnr/outdoor/4226.htm)

IFWDA is proud to be a member of the following organizations.