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LOW-IMPACT CAMPING

1. Prepare well know about your route and the area take adequate food bring clothing and equipment that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable know the basics of first aid, navigation and minimum-impact camping know what to do in case of frostbite, hypothermia or avalanche danger 2. Management guidelines follow the guidelines set forth by the appropriate land manager (e.g. Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service or the National Park Service write or call for guidelines prior to your trip Wilderness is managed for reasons of preservation and-solitude We need such natural places for study, for measuring the forces of natural change and dynamics, and as a place to renew the human spirit. Land managers have established rules and regulations governing group size, fires, cans and bottles, mechanized vehicles and basic conduct to help protect the land and the quality of experience for users. Please follow their guidelines. 3. Trekking into the wilderness select footwear appropriate for comfort, safety and the terrain suppress the desire to shortcut switchbacks on rest breaks, select a hardened area to absorb your impact Heavy, lug-soled boots have an adverse impact on fragile terrain Consider wearing well-cushioned running shoes whenever it is safe and conditions permit IC is strongly advised that you carry alight pair of boots for safety reasons Use light footwear in camp Cutting switchbacks tramples vegetation and leads to erosion Use established trails when possible; cross-country travel requires experience and an extra sensitive backcountry traveler. 4. Camping select a level campsite with adequate water runoff, and use plastic under your tent to stay dry without ditching locate your site at least 900 feet away from natural water sources generally, select a shelter site that has already been used, to eliminate further expansion of the camp when possible, position your tent so it blends with the environment Careful selection of campsites helps preserve the atmosphere of solitude even in popular areas. Choose your site thoughtfully and use it lightly, leaving it in as natural a state as possible. 5. Garbage carry out or burn ail of your garbage pick up litter as you encounter it Be sure to burn or carry out all of your food scraps and packaging Buried garbage won't stay that way for long, and may be dangerous to small animals if you fish, be sure to burn or carry out the entrails If local land managers give you the go-ahead, consider cleaning up a trashy area and caching the garbage for later removal by a ranger 6. Sanitation use established latrines if they are provided use a cat-hole if there are no established latrines Your family cat can teach you a valuable lesson about wilderness hygiene how to use a cat-hole. Proceed with trowel in hand to an area at least 100 feet away from water sources, trails and camp After carefully removing the surface duff, dig a hole several inches into the dirt, put all of your human wastes and toilet paper into the hole, then replace dirt and duff. In winter, select a flat area away from drainages This prevents the waste from entering a water source as the snow melts Assuming the area is safe from fire hazard, carefully burn your toilet paper during the wet winter months 7. Washing yourself try a soapless bath or clothes-wash for all but the most persistent dirt when using soap-even biodegradable soap-wash yourself, your hair and your clothing at least 100 feet away from water brush your teeth well away from water sources Even when biodegradable, soap is a stress on the environment, so do as much of your cleanup as possible with soapless, hot water. When using any soap to wash yourself or your dishes, use it well away from natural water sources; pour it into highly absorbent ground 8. Washing dishes try a soapless cleanup for health reasons, wash dishes with hot water when possible wash at least 100 feet away from natural water sources 9. Water pollution do everything you can to protect water sources from contamination boll, chemically treat, or filter your drinking wafer any time you are not sure of water purity The increasing occurrence of backcountry dysentery caused by Giardia clearly demonstrates the impact water pollution has in the wilds Giardia thrives m water (hat has been contaminated with animal or human waste. Consider most backcountry water to be potentially contaminated even though it appears clean and may be running rapidly To ensure it safety, boil or filter water, or use a chemical water purification agent. Clean water is vital to human and animal health, do everything you can to lessen your impact on water sources. 10. Fires keep fires small use only dawn dead wood leave axes at home make sure your ashes are cool enjoy the experience of a fireless evening Even though we all enjoy fifes, most wildlands are feeling the effects of too many Wilderness is being depleted of much of its beauty by eager fuel hunters. Even when afire is possible, consider your options; when you forego a fire you may be richly rewarded by interesting sights and sounds usually hidden by the fire's draw. 11. Smoking smoke only where it is safe: around a fire or in a cleared area make sure your ashes are cool, then scatter them carry out all your cigarette filters 12. Mountain bikes respect public land management guidelines; use bicycles on roads or designated bicycle trails, not on hiking-only trails. safe speeds are relative to terrain and your riding ability; assume others are just around the corner minimize your impact an the land-never ride off of roads or trails, or take shortcuts, as this can lead to erosion. Remember that bicycling on public lands is relatively new, courtesy will help win lasting acceptance. 13. Impact on other users blend camps and tents into the environment when possible keep groups small speak softly, save rowdy games and songs for another time leave pets of home If you recall backcountry laps you've taken that gave you peace and solitude, you will know the kind of thoughtful conduct needed to minimize your impact on others. Tens of millions use America's backcountry every year, but there is still room for a quality experience provided we are conscientious visitors. 14.Become involved join environmental and outdoor organizations leave your impact on the legislative process be a thoughtful backcountry visitor Each one of us can have an important and lasting impact on public recreation opportunities by getting involved with conservation efforts. REI sponsors cleanups of wildland areas: simply contact the store in your area to become involved If you are a member of a conservation group, you may want to apply to REI's Environmental Committee for a grant to support your programs. Write to receive the Environmental Support Guidelines: REI Environmental Committee, P.O. Box 1938, Sumner, WA 98390-0800. Please help protect our wildlands by sharing these Minimum impact techniques with your friends and associates. REI encourages the use of the ideas and information included in this publication; we merely ask that you mention REI as the information source. Join VailSoft's Mailing List!

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