Random Thoughts

Leave No Trace

I have never been able to understand why some one would go to all the work of carrying a 6-pack miles after miles into a pristine mountain lake or meadow and leave the empties behind. Cigarette butts, juice bags, candy wrappers, or orange peels are often seen along trails. Why? Haven't they heard of the "Leave No Trace" philosophy? Using the "Leave No Trace" philosophy when hiking or camping is easy and thoughtful plus it minimizes human impact on nature. Here are seven points we should all observe:

1. Be considerate of others. Respect and protect the quality of others out-of-doors experience.

2. Plan ahead and be prepared. Know and respect the area's regulations. Select activities appropriate to the area.

3. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Not using a durable surface causes erosion and vegetation damage.

4. Dispose of waste properly. Use waste bins provided; vault toilets are designed for specific waste material, not beer cans, diapers, etc. Store kitchen waste and other tasty trash up and away, so it doesn't tempt wildlife. If no waste bins are available, pack out your trash.

5. Leave what you find the way you found it so others can enjoy.

6. Minimize campfires. Campfires, not bonfires, are part of camping.

7. Respect all wildlife. Never intentionally approach or disturb wildlife. Feeding wildlife endangers their health, alters natural behaviors, and reduces their natural and healthy fear of humans.