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Keys to Responsible
Recreation inBackCountry by: Chuck Fitzgerald Havinggood 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 – inbackcountry. If not done properly, that’slot of wear and tear on our natural resources. Responsible recreation ensures future outdoor enthusiastsopportunity to enjoyoutdoors as you have. Withoutrecreation code of ethics, our backcountry would becomething ofpast. Here are some universally agreed upon keys for havinggood time –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 ofwastewater at least onezerozero feet away from natural water sources, well or faucet water sources. -Begood neighbor - control your noise and your pets. Always keep your dog onleash no longer than six 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 ofnatural environment – keeptrees 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 killtree. -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, offersfollowing 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 isTread Lightly!, www.treadlightly.org, pledge: Travel and recreate with minimum impact, Respectenvironment andrights of others, Educate yourself – plan and prepare before you go, Allow for future use ofoutdoors – leave it better than you found it and Discoverrewards of responsible recreation. Responsible recreation means havingcommon sense andcourtesy to enjoybackcountry without spoiling someone else’s experience. Most outdoor enthusiasts understand this very well and spendgood deal of their time restoring, enhancing and conserving our backcountry. Have 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! Chuck Fitzgerald ©twozerozerofour. All Rights Reserved. |
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