Keys to
Responsible Recreation in
the BackCountry
by:
Chuck
Fitzgerald
Having a good time is
pretty high on everyone’s to
do list, especially when
surrounded by awesome views
and super-awesome friends.
We hike, bike, climb, camp,
raft, fish, hunt,
four-wheel, sleep and eat –
among other things – in the
backcountry. If not done
properly, that’s a lot of
wear and tear on our natural
resources. Responsible
recreation ensures future
outdoor enthusiasts the
opportunity to enjoy the
outdoors as you have.
Without a recreation code of
ethics, our backcountry
would become a thing of the
past. Here are some
universally agreed upon keys
for having a good time – the
right way.
-Take only pictures,
leave only footprints. If
you carry it in, carry it
out. This will eliminate
litter.
-Protect water sources
from contamination. Use
bio-degradable soap, or try
hot water soap-less
dishwashing, bathing and
clothes washing. When using
soap (even bio-degradable)
and toothpaste, dispose of
the wastewater at least 100
feet away from natural water
sources, well or faucet
water sources.
-Be a good neighbor -
control your noise and your
pets. Always keep your dog
on a leash no longer than 6
feet, and away from public
swimming areas. Barking and
not cleaning up after pets
leads to many complaints
from other outdoor
enthusiasts. Do not leave
pets unattended.
-Be respectful of the
natural environment – keep
the trees and shrubs alive
and growing. Nails and wires
should not be used on trees
because they can cause
serious damage to trees.
Burn damage will permanently
scar or kill a tree.
-When hiking or biking,
stay on designated trails.
This keeps damage to
vegetation and erosion in
one place.
-Before leaving your
campsite, clean your fire
pit and your campsite. Make
it as clean as you would
want it if you were arriving
that day. The next user will
appreciate it.
Leave-No-Trace,
www.lnt.org, offers the
following Principles for
Outdoor Ethics: Plan Ahead
and Prepare, Travel and Camp
on Durable Surfaces, Dispose
of Waste Properly, Leave
What You Find, Minimize
Campfire Impacts, Respect
Wildlife and Be Considerate
of Other Visitors.
Here is the Tread
Lightly!,
www.treadlightly.org,
pledge: Travel and recreate
with minimum impact, Respect
the environment and the
rights of others, Educate
yourself – plan and prepare
before you go, Allow for
future use of the outdoors –
leave it better than you
found it and Discover the
rewards of responsible
recreation.
Responsible recreation
means having the common
sense and the courtesy to
enjoy the backcountry
without spoiling someone
else’s experience. Most
outdoor enthusiasts
understand this very well
and spend a good deal of
their time restoring,
enhancing and conserving our
backcountry. Have a good
time when you’re outdoors,
share these keys with your
friends and use this
information to Get It Right
The First Time.
Get Outdoors! |
