When you feel like you are the first person who set foot on a camp, it’s because groups before you worked hard to minimize their impact. Our challenge to you is to leave every camp better than the way you found it.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and concerns for the area you plan to visit and prepare for extreme weather conditions. Even the best thought-out plans can get ruined by unexpected challenges or weather conditions, so be sure to have a backup plan in mind.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Camp on the most durable surfaces when available, including rock, gravel, sand, compacted soil, and dry grasses. Avoid stepping on vegetation or creating new paths. Stay on marked trails when you can.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all trash and food scraps in an ammo can or bin that prevents critters from getting in. Do not discard or bury food scraps around camp. They can attract wildlife and bugs. Be sure to strain wastewater from cooking before dumping it into the river. Try to keep soaps and oils out of the river. Carry out all trash and human waste. If you have to pee, pee in the river to keep beaches clean and odor-free. Do a final sweep before you head out to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.
4. Leave What You Find
Preserve the past and allow others a chance to discover things too. Leave rocks, plants, and other things where you find them and do not touch historic structures and artifacts.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Fires must be contained at all times inside a durable metal fire pan and all debris and ash from the fire must be packed out. An alternative option to a wood-burning fire is a propane fire pit. While not required, fire blankets are great to have on hand and make for fast and simple cleanup.
6. Respect Wildlife
Don’t approach or chase after wildlife; give them space and view them from a distance. Also, don't ever feed animals. Feeding wildlife can hinder their health, alter natural behaviors, and expose animals to predators.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Be a kind human and respect fellow adventurers. Enjoy being surrounded by nature and avoid loud voices, noises, and blasting music.
See you on the river!
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