Keys to Responsible Recreation in the BackCountry  

Keys to Responsible Recreation in the BackCountry
Chuck Fitzgerald ©2004. All Rights Reserved.

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!

About the author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona
based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry
specialty gear and educational information for outdoor
enthusiasts. Visit http://www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free
newsletter "FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055.