Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Your Responses to August's "Situation"


Thank you for responding to the last “Situation” in August’s eNews.

The Situation: You are taking a group of kids on their first camping trip. All summer, they've been excited about sitting around a campfire, telling ghost stories and having s'mores. As you're packing the car, you check the website one last time and learn that a campfire ban has been announced for the area you are visiting. What will you do as an alternative so that the kids have a memorable first camping experience?

How Agata and Jason Ketteridge from the Leave No Trace Staff responded:

To many, the tradition of the campfire is an integral part of enjoying the comraderie of any camping trip. Fires, however, have compromised the natural appearance of many recreational areas and are not always necessary to having a memorable first camping trip. There are many things you can do as a substitute to having a campfire:
-If the group you are camping with is very excited about having s’mores, then try roasting marshmallows over your campstove (it works!).
-When there is a fire going, people tend to forget to look up and check out the sky. Schedule some star-gazing time and everyone will be amazed and impressed. You can even download an application on your smartphone that will help you and your group identify constellations.
-Create the ambiance of a fire by putting a light into your colored Nalgene bottle or be creative and design your own luminaries.
-And don’t forget the instant classic “shadow puppet” theatre!


How you responded:

With a campfire ban I would get a bunch on candles to cook the marshmallows — perhaps one with a fat base, or a votive in something. Then put the assembly on a solid level surface on something that will not burn (diameter three times the height of the candle).
-Jay M. Dement

Having a "camp-fire" during a fire ban is fairly easy to accomplish. Any number of small battery operated lanterns can be set at varying heights in a "fire ring". You can also use those small battery powered lights which look like votive candles and intersperse them among some small branches to make it look more fire-like. S'mores can be made ahead of time in the oven by wrapping the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate in aluminum foil and baking them in the oven. To re-heat, use a camp stove and griddle.
-Paula Snellgrove

We always have a backup plan for campfire. We lite several candle lanterns or use our burner. This gives us the glow of the fire and allows us to safely control the surroundings. The troop has just as much fun, leaves no damage to the environment, and maintains the fire ban.
-Angela Watts

Principle Blog Series: Part 6 of 7-Respect Wildlife



Respect Wildlife is the 6th of 7 Leave No Trace Principles.  Humans can unknowingly cause distress to animals by exhibiting the following behaviors:  cutting trail switch backs, getting too close, leaving behind food and trash, and being too loud (except in bear/mountain lion country).  When entering the natural world, we are in essence entering the home of wild animals.  Some ideas on ways we can respect wildlife are:

  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
  • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
  • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
  • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
  • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

 To learn more about Respect Wildlife, CLICK HERE.

Explore Responsibly…Kate and Tracy

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Thanks to our New and Renewing partners this month

Leave No Trace would like to recognize the following partners for their new and renewing support this month. Please take some time to check them out!

Corporate Partners:
Cascade Designs
Eddie Bauer / First Ascent
Leki USA
Outdoor Research
Arizona Raft Adventures / Grand Canyon Discovery, Inc.
Avid4Adventure
Trailspace.com

Small Business Partners:
Angora Lakes Resort
Adios Adventure Travel
Hiking with Impunity –New Partner
United By Blue –New Partner
Agape Group Holdings –New International Partner

Monday, August 29, 2011

American Hiking Society's 19th Annual National Trails Day

National Trail Days Participation up 10 Percent

The American Hiking Society’s 19th annual National Trails Day (NTD)celebration June 4 drew a record of more than 330,000 trail enthusiasts, hikers, and volunteers from around the nation to celebrate and promote trails in and around their communities, an increase of 10% over 2010. The American Hiking Society is proud to report these 2011 NTD statistics:

- 7% increase in the number of events registered nationwide from 2010 to 2011

- 2,063 NTD events took place across all a fifty states, Puerto Rico, and Canada

- Participants hiked or walked 5,026 miles, paddled 386 miles, rode horseback for 885 miles and biked nearly 2,600 miles

- 38,300 volunteers contributed 188,833 hours of volunteer labor, worth more than $4 million at 799 trail work projects

- More than 330,000 trail enthusiasts participated in NTD events - up 10% from 2010

Aiding in the success of NTD was the support from Mike Rowe, the well-known host of Dirty Jobs, who encouraged Americans to get out and get dirty on the trails. To coincide with NTD, Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes and US Senator Dick Durbin announced the designation of 41 new National Recreation Trails in 17 states. "We often hear that people no longer care about the outdoors," notes Gregory Miller, president of American Hiking Society. "But this is far from the truth, as evidenced by the continual growth of National Trails Day, where people from all across the country got out on trails and gave back in record numbers this year--a clear indicator that Americans are committed to the protection and preservation of our national network of trails." National Trails Day would not be possible without the dedicated support of America Hiking Society sponsors, supporters, partners, and hosts. AHS would like to thank their sponsors Fetzer, The North Face, Merrell, Columbia, Eastern Mountain Sports and Backpacker Magazine. NTD supporters include REI, YMCA, and American Park Network. 2011 Federal Partners include the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service / National Wildlife Refuge System, Federal Highway Administration, and the Bureau of Land Management.

Principle Blog Series: Part 5 of 7-Minimize Campfire Impacts

Minimize Campfire Impacts is the 5th of 7 Leave No Trace Principles.  If you close your eyes and think about some of your earliest camping experiences, there is a good chance that a campfire is included in your reflection.  It is important to note that Leave No Trace is not against campfires, but please be aware of responsible practices.

Some other points to consider about Minimizing Campfire Impacts are:

  • Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
  • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
  • Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
  • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

For more information about Minimize Campfire Impacts, CLICK HERE.

Explore Responsibly…Kate and Tracy

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Photo of the Week 8.27.11


Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Mark and Tara
e-tour team

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Education in Motion: September Training From our Traveling Teams

The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers, the Leave No Trace e-tour Team, as well as the Leave No Trace Colorado Tour are conducting the following training events across the country in September. For more information about these or to attend, visit their calendars.

Team East September Calendar
Team West September Calendar
E-tour September Calendar
Colorado Tour September Calendar

Colorado:
  • Sylvan Lake State Park - Eagle
  • Vail Mountain School - Vail
  • SOS Outreach - Frisco
  • Colorado Mountain Club - Grand Junction
  • New Emerson Elementary School - Grand Junction
  • James M. Robb State Park - Grand Junction
  • Yampa River State Park - Hayden
  • East Elementary School - Craig
  • Sunset Elementary School - Craig
  • Ridgway Schools - Ridgway
  • Ridgway State Park - Ridgway
  • Voyager Youth Program - Ridgway
  • Adams State Adventure Programs - Alamosa
  • Salida Recreation - Salida
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County - Pueblo
  • Nature and Raptor Center - Pueblo
  • Smartwool - Steamboat Springs
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park - Mosca
Idaho:
  • Student Conservation Association/BLM Youth Project - Salmon
  • Salmon Valley Farmer's Market - Salmon
  • Local Scouts - Idaho Falls
  • Marley in the Mountains - Sun Valley
  • REI - Boise
  • Pocatello Pump Climbing Competition - Pocatello
Illinois:
  • Yogi Bear Jellyston Camp - Amboy
Kentucky:
  • Red River Gorge Living Archaeology Weekend - Frenchburg
  • Western Kentucky Trainer Course
Maine:
  • L.L Bean Fall Sports Weekend - Freeport
Massachusetts:
  • Peases Point - Matttapoisett
  • REI - Framingham
  • Gordon College - Wenham
  • Westfield State University - Westfield
Minnesota:
  • Crosby-Ironton High School - Crosby
  • Cayuna Range Elementary School - Crosby
  • Lake Carlos State Park - Carlos
  • Backyard Session - St. Paul
  • SALT High School - Minneapolis
  • Conservation Corps - St. Paul
  • Garlough Environmental Magnet School - St. Paul
Montana:
  • Lone Pine State Park - Kalispell
  • Montana Wild at Spring Meadow Lake - Helena
West Virginia:
  • Gauley Fest - Summersville
Wisconsin:
  • BSA Powderhorn - Rhinelander
  • University of Wisconsin-Marinette/BLM Youth Project - Marinette
  • REI - Madison
  • The North Face Speaker Series - Madison
  • The North Face Endurance Challenge - Madison
Do you want the Traveling Teams to come to your town? We are currently accepting event requests online for 2012.
NOTE: You MUST request an event by December 1st for the 2012 January - May window.

Boston Backyard Session


On August 15th, Team East and Boston REI hosted a Leave No Trace Backyard Session.  Despite monsoonal-like rain, 25 people came out for an evening of networking, training, and socializing.  Representatives from many local organization came to the event including the Student Conservation Association (SCA), MA Audubon Society, American Camp Association of New England, Youth Enrichment Services (YES), the US Forest Service, and Outdoor Explorations.  With such a diverse group of people gathered, the conversations were plentiful and enthusiastic in regards to ways these organizations can connect with each other on ways to bring Leave No Trace into their community.  To make the evening more exciting, KEEN Shoes donated one free pair of shoes to a lucky participant.  Congratulations to Nunu Stevenson of SCA!  We hope you enjoy many outdoor adventures in your new Keen Shoes.
A special thank you to Dane Tullock, REI Outreach Specialist, for all of his efforts in making this Leave No Trace Backyard Session a successful event.  To find out more about hosting or attending a Leave No Trace Backyard Session in your community, click here!
Explore Responsibly...Kate & Tracy

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What is Lurking in Your Firewood?


Leave No Trace – Minimizing the spread of invasive species in firewood

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics has recently implemented new content to address the issue of invasive species being transported in firewood. Most people are aware of the threat invasive species pose on native plants and wildlife. However, what many fail to realize, is how these non-native plants, animals and organisms arrived at their destinations. The answer? People.

Invasive species can cause large-scale, irreversible changes to ecosystems by eliminating native species over time. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, since it’s discovery in 2002, the Emerald Ash Borer (transported from Asia in solid wood packing material) has killed over twenty million ash trees throughout many states surrounding the Great Lakes. It has been estimated that the cost of treatment, removal and replacement of impacted ash trees will exceed $10.7 billion.

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics recommends:

- Individuals and groups refrain from bringing firewood from home as it may be contaminated with seeds, tree killing insects or diseases.
- Buy local wood near your destination or gather it (where permitted) upon your arrival.
- Avoid possible fines by adhering to local regulations. In some states, federal fines of up to $1,000 may be imposed for transporting hardwoods out of your county.
- As always, before planning to have a campfire, please check with local land management agencies regarding fire restrictions and burn bans.

Invasive species damage the lands and waters that native plants and animals need to survive. They hurt economies and threaten human well-being. With proper education and planning, we can help minimize these impacts and prevent greater decimation of our native plant and animal populations.

One Life Wilderness Camp


You've only got One Life, so get outside and play with all your heart! The e-tour spent the weekend at the One Life Wilderness Base Camp in Winnabow, NC. We shared strategies for teaching Leave No Trace with their trip leaders and introduced an enthusiastic group of day campers to the Youth Principles highlighted in the Peak Program.

After a swift, severe, soaker of a thunderstorm the kids decided to show off their version of how to Choose The Right Path... no fancy boots or waterproof gear required!

On Sunday we 'hung' around to sample a bit of what the camp had to offer. A tree climb high into the canopy of a majestic white oak rewarded us with a view over miles of tidal swamp and flocks of snowy egrets. A special thank you to the Bishop family for great company, thoughtful conversation, delicious meals, and fostering a Leave No Trace mindset for future generations.

Mark and Tara
Your e-tour team.

Sustainable Festivation at the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest


Announcing the GRAND PRIZE winner of the Campsite Challenge!

It was another successful weekend promoting sustainable festivation with our good friends at Planet Bluegrass. Planet Bluegrass is 'committed to producing the finest musical experiences in exquisite natural venues in the most sustainable manner possible', and the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest in Lyons, CO was no exception. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics joined these Green efforts by facilitating the annual How Green Is Your Grass? Campsite Challenge, which strives to minimize festival impacts that occur in the campgrounds. By following the guidelines in the Leave No Trace Campers Guide, and implementing their own ways of being conscious to minimize their impact at their campsite, festivarian campers were given the chance to enter the Campsite Challenge to win FESTIVAL and CAMPING passes for 2012!

The following campsites were both staff selected, and randomly selected for their sustainable efforts, and deserve a shout out!

Day 1 Finalists:
Phelps & Phamily
Fritsch Family Fun

Day 2 Finalists:
Thompson Family Circus
Camp Ultimate Winner

Day 3 Finalists:
The Drummer's Den
Camp One in the Oven

The GRAND PRIZE winner, selected by Planet Bluegrass, and rewarded for their exemplary Leave No Trace campsite with 2012 Festival and Camping passes is:

THOMPSON FAMILY CIRCUS!

This camp not only separated their trash, recycling, and compost, but also carpooled to the festival, repurposed milk jug ice packs as dishwater, minimized ground impacts by laying a tarp in the kitchen area, and respected their neighbors by keeping things tidy.

Congratulations to our Grand Prize winner! Remember, the first principle of Leave No Trace is Plan Ahead and Prepare, and I encourage ALL of you to start thinking now about what you could do for next year's festival season to festivate in a more sustainable way.

See you next summer!

Principle Blog Series: Part 4 of 7-Leave What You Find


Leave What You Find is the 4th of 7 Leave No Trace Priciples.  The principle Leave What You Find definitely has more of an ethical backbone to it than the other principles; therefore it is harder to interpret.  Leave No Trace is, in part, about leaving the gift of discovery for the next person.  As excited as I am to find that cool rock, pinecone, arrowhead, or antler shed, I always wonder, "Wouldn’t someone else like to find that, too?"  Alternatives to taking home items found in the outdoors include taking a picture, creating a nature journal and draw a picture, journal about your experience, or bring a friend by to enjoy the object together.  During one of our workshops, we had an energetic high schooler that suggested creating an interpretive dance to help you remember. Cheers kiddo, whatever strengthens your connection to nature is all right by us!

Some other points to consider about Leave What You Find:


  • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
  • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
  • Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.


Remember to encourage exploration of the natural world, especially with kids.  Motivate kids to explore using all their senses while in the out of doors and not feel as though they are in a museum!

To Learn More about Leave What You Find, CLICK HERE.

Explore Responsibly…Kate and Tracy

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Music On The Mountaintop 2011


Bring your sunscreen, your boogie shoes and come party with the e-tour! We are happy to join our outfitting partner Chaco at Music On The Mountaintop 2011 for a gathering of music, camping, and positive vibes. This is a special festival for us, knowing that a percentage of the proceeds will go to protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. Stop by our booth this weekend and learn how to make your festival experience all the more Leave No Trace. See you there!

Mark and Tara
e-tour team

Monday, August 22, 2011

Who's YOUR Farmer?



The late summer harvest is bountiful. The e-tour has really enjoyed visiting many local Farmers Markets throughout North Carolina this month. Eating out of our cooler has never tasted better! There are many benefits to visiting a Farmers Market near you, check out a few of the resources we found, try one out and decide for yourself. Local Harvest and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service are a great place to start looking.


Yummm!

Mark and Tara
2011 e-tour team

Gear Review - Leave No Trace Nalgene Bottle



When the new Leave No Trace Nalgene bottles were added to the store I was skeptical to say the least. It wasn't so much the bottle itself, rather it was the lid and closing mechanism. I was thinking I'd break it before it even left the house on it's first outing.

However, much to my surprise the bottle not only held up on its first trip, but managed to survive almost 100 miles of rafting this summer. I took two bottles on three different trips - the Upper San Juan, the Rio Chama and the Dolores without incident. Let me say that raft trips are notoriously hard on equipment. Boats are heavy, they run into one another, things get dropped, etc. However, these bottles held up to the challenge, and are still going strong. The lid easily accepts a carabiner and holds tight under all conditions (at least the conditions I tested...).

Needless to say, I'm giving the Leave No Trace Nalgene bottle two thumbs up. If you don't already have one and are in the market for a new bottle, I say go for it.



Visit our store to buy one today: https://store.lnt.org/buy

Principle Blog Series: Part 3 of 7 Dispose of Waste Properly


Dispose of Waste Properly is the 3rd of 7 Leave No Trace Principles.  Pack it in, pack it out is a common phrase in the outdoor world that easily conveys the gist of this principle. Our kid-friendly version of this principle gets the point across in a different light: Trash Your Trash!

 Did you know that in the average environments, a fruit peel takes approximately two years to biodegrade! Another impact associated with leaving peels behind is the wildlife impact. Animals that get a taste for human food run the risk of becoming habituated and losing their fear of humans or displaying aggressive behaviors toward humans. Problem animals, especially bears, sometimes need to be removed from an area or worse euthanized. Disposing of waste properly involves more than packing out your food waste.

Consider these points when disposing of waste properly:


  • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
  • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
  • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.


For more information about Dispose of Waste Properly, CLICK HERE.

Expore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Photo of the Week 8.20.11

Moonrise over Falls Lake, NC

Mark and Tara
Leave No Trace e-tour Team

Friday, August 19, 2011

Exploring Northern Utah

I love a good road trip because being in a car allows you to stop and explore along the journey. Earlier this month I got to explore some great parts of northern Utah while sharing Leave No Trace with other summer travelers. If you think of skiing when you think of Utah then you are missing out. Here are a few highlights from my recent trip:

1. Emigration Canyon. You might be more familiar with Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon, just outside of Salt Lake City. Emigration Canyon is just north of the Cottonwoods andprovides some excellent (and less crowded) hikes and road and off-road biking routes. And aside from the natural history you experience, the canyon is full of pioneering history too.

2. Wasatch Mountain State Park, the town of Midway and Jordanelle State Park. Just a short drive south east from Park City, the town of Midway is a quiet respite from busy Park City. It is perfectly situated among the Wasatch Mountains where you can easily access the trails of Wasatch Mountain State Park or the waters of Jordanelle State Park. I went hiking, mountain biking and tried paddle boarding for the first time - lots of fun! And while you're there check out Midway Adventure Company. They practice Leave No Trace on the trips they lead.

3. Uinta Mountains. A scenic drive along Mirror Lake Highway shows the majesty of the Uinta Mountains. Fun fact - the Uintas are the highest mountain range that run east - west in the lower 48 states. I look forward to a return visit where I will hike Bald Mountain Trail, after I plan ahead and prepare for the steep hike, of course.



Where have you explored this summer?

Thursday, August 18, 2011

PEAK at Jackson Lake State Park



Jackson Lake State Park, CO -- Located about 70 miles northeast of Denver, Jackson Lake State Park has been dubbed "an oasis in the plains." When we arrived in the early evening last Saturday we were not surprised to find that nearly all 260 campsites at the park were occupied. Nineteen campers came out to the amphitheater in the Cove Campground to learn more about Leave No Trace. We used "What Principle Am I?" to introduce the campers to the seven principles of the program and wrapped up with "How Long Does it Last" to focus on the principle Trash Your Trash. Everyone was very excited to also learn about the Bigfoot Challenge and the opportunity to not only learn more about Leave No Trace but have the chance to win some amazing prizes.


All the best,

Agata and Jason

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Downpour Anyone?


We here at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics are firm believers that good campsites are found, not made. Sometimes in developed campgrounds even the 'made' campsites are not constructed perfectly :). With a fully flooded tent pad, and a groundsheet reminiscent of a waterbed the e-tour awoke warm and dry. Thank you Coleman!

Early to bed, early to rise.
Coleman keeps the e-tour comfy and dry.

Mark and Tara

Principle Blog Series: Part 2 of 7-Travel and Camp On Durable Surfaces


Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces is the second of 7 Leave No Trace principles.  A durable surface is defined as one that is resistant and resilient to people traveling or camping upon it. Examples of durable surfaces are: rock, gravel, snow, sand, dry grass, and established trails/campsites. On the flip side, non-durable surfaces are more fragile and take longer to recover. Some examples are: wild flowers, meadows, steep slopes prone to slides (safety first!), cryptobiotic soil, and poison ivy/oak.

Consider these points when selecting terrain to hike and camp on:

  • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
  • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
    • In popular areas:
    • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
    • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
    • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
    • In pristine areas:
    • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
    • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Pop Quiz: Is MUD a durable or non-durable surface?

For more information on Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, CLICK HERE.


Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Higher Learning at Vedauwoo



Medicine Bow National Forest, WY - Last week, the University of Wyoming Outdoor Program held two days of training for their staff at Vedauwoo, an incredible area of rocky outcrops that was once a popular hideout for outlaws and now attracts adventurous rock climbers and other outdoor recreationists. The Outdoor Program invited Team West to be a part of the training and provide an opportunity for the student leaders to learn more about how to teach Leave No Trace.

The Outdoor Program provides a wide range of outdoor activities and programs for a variety of skill levels to the UW community. Participants have the opportunity to develop lifetime recreational skills, learn about safety and proper technique, gain an appreciation and concern for our natural environment, meet new people, and have a great time.

Many of the student leaders are Leave No Trace trainers and master educators, so we focused our discussion on the Authority of the Resource Technique, which provides a method for informing outdoor recreationists about minimum impact skills and techniques and focuses on influencing long-term behavioral change. The Outdoor Program leaders have a fantastic opportunity in the coming year to teach over 800 participants about Leave No Trace.

All the best,

Agata and Jason


Monday, August 15, 2011

No. 2 Blog


The e-tour has been enjoying some spectacular evening thunderstorms in central North Carolina. All this fast moving water makes us think about what might be cascading along with it. We found two great pieces of signage in the downtown Greensboro Gardens, urging visitors to Trash Your Trash and Pick Up Poop. The signs bring attention to more than just the visual impacts most often associated with this common waste issue.


Be intentional, it's less conventional.
Mark and Tara

Grand Teton major rescue tally nears single-year record



Could some or all of these rescues have been avoided if the people involved had put more time and effort into planning and properly preparing for their outings?

LANDER, Wyo. — When Laura Mason’s controlled slide Thursday on a snowfield on 11,901-foot Nez Perce Peak sped out of control until she collided with rocks below, she became the 27th major rescue in Grand Teton National Park this year.

Because of high winds, park rescue rangers were unable to helicopter the Royal Oak, Mich., resident to medical help. Instead, rescuers made a technically complicated, 1,200-foot lowering of Mason, park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said.

The park’s annual record for major rescues set in 2000 was 30. In 2009, there were 16 major rescues followed by 17 in 2010.
“They usually flirt around 17 to 20 a year,” Skaggs said.

Rangers perform rescues all the time during the summer, but many are minor — a twisted ankle at a popular tourist destination or dehydration on a crowded trail. Park officials consider any rescue operation that costs more than $500 to be major.


Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_d46d9fe2-db7e-5eda-b1e9-166718cac3aa.html

Principle Blog Series: Part 1 of 7-Plan Ahead and Prepare




Plan Ahead and Prepare is a criticial planning component of the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.  When proper time and care is dedicated to trip planning, you will find it easy to follow through with the remaining six Leave No Trace principles.  A wise education director once taught us: If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.

Consider these points when planning for a trip:

  • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
  • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
  • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
  • Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
  • Repackage food to minimize waste.
  • Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

For more information about the principle Plan Ahead and Prepare, CLICK HERE.

Explore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Photo of the Week 8.12.11: Insert Face Here:


Does anyone else enjoy these? Whether we're masquerading as a community hero, or posing as local flora, the e-tour has a penchant for these instant souvenir photo cut-outs. Document your face-in-a-hole trip memories and share them with us.

Tara's little ray of sunshine;)

Mark and Tara
Find the e-tour nearest you.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Take me to the River...

And LAUNCH me in the water:)


The e-tour beat the heat this week in Charlotte by checking out the famed US National Whitewater Center, where for a reasonable price you can extreme sport yourself into being reasonably sore the next day.



Half amusement park, half training center the 'river' can entertain either from inside a raft taking a big hit, or watching athletes roll and rodeo in the surf honing their skills for competition.


There are options for the tamer soul as well.

And for those looking to reach new heights.

Mark and Tara
Will the e-tour be in your neighborhood soon?

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Summer Outdoor Retailer



Salt Lake City, UT - This past weekend, we attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, a bi-annual event where the outdoor industry come together to showcase new products, network, and connect with non-profit organizations. In collaboration with Backpacker Magazine and Subaru of America we were able to facilitate the Great Gear Giveaway, where participants answer a couple of Leave No Trace-related questions and are entered to win one of six prize packages each day.



We also had a surprise visit from Bigfoot! He helped us announce the six winners each day and promoted his pint glasses.

All the best,

Agata and Jason

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Watch Your Step!


The e-tour had the joy of meeting another welcoming Community Partner during a song-filled day at Rockbrook Camp for Girls in Brevard, NC. Campers thought about how there are living organisms everywhere and how important it is to stick to trails and Choose the Right Path during their outdoor adventures.

To learn more about Partnership opportunities, CLICK HERE!

What's your favorite trail?
Mark and Tara

Join Us In Rocky Mountain National Park


In celebration of the collective energy created by all the Moments shared on the Meet the Moment site, we are happy to announce CLIF Bar’s Day of Action on October 1st. As part of CLIF Bar’s Day of Action, the Center will be hosting a trail building day in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

We invite and encourage you, your family and your friends to come out and join our CLIF Bar’s Day of Action event. Enjoy a great day with other adventurers as we work to protect the places we play. Please email dean@LNT.org to register for our CLIF Bar’s Day of Action Event.

If you haven’t created a moment yet it’s not too late. Go to www.MeettheMoment.com. Remember when you upload your first photo, CLIF Bar donates $5 to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Rockygrass 2011 Campsite Challenge winners!

Lyons, Colorado

The results of the 2011 "How Green Is Your Grass?" campsite challenge are now available! After a great deal of careful consideration and healthy debate the winning campsite is
Camp Zero Hero.

Congratulations to Sam and Katie Meunier of Fort Collins, Colorado for another successful campaign to promote responsible enjoyment of the outdoors! Camp Zero Hero offered free recycling and composting services (pictured above) for the campground, where they stayed while enjoying the festive environment at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado.

All the best,

Jason and Agata

North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS)



Even Bigfoot wanted to come of the woods to meet the dedicated field instructors and staff at Cedar Rock Base Camp. He especially loved hearing the chime of the dinner bell, quickly joining hands to check in from the day and give thanks for his next delicious meal from the kitchen.

We enjoyed some quality time chatting, dining and relaxing with our Community Partner North Carolina Outward Bound School and even had the opportunity to meet up with a group of students in the field. Entering day four of a twenty-one day trip, the "Funky Trailblazers" were ready to explore their own outdoor ethics in a discussion about Leave No Trace.


Mark and Tara

The Center Welcomes New Education Staffer


Jason Grubb's passion for the outdoors began at a young age and was first introduced to Leave No Trace through Scouting, where he ultimately achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. However, combining this love for nature with his chosen career path didn’t come to fruition until he started pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Recreation Administration from Texas State University. Having worked as the Information Coordinator here at The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for the past 9 months, Jason is excited to move into a more substantial role as the Education Programs Coordinator where he hopes to make lasting impacts on the PEAK/Teen Programs, Grants and Scholarships and with the State Advocate Program. You can reach Grubb at Jason@LNT.org.

Fishing For Some Answers



How should a backcountry trout fisher deal with trout entrails and remains of cooked trout?

Our Education Staff answers:
As for proper disposal of fish remains (uncooked), we’d first advise checking with the local land manager to see what they require and/or suggest. Otherwise, here are some recommendations:

Disposing of fish entrails: Special care needs to be taken when dealing with the fish entrails. Many anglers follow the tradition of scattering entrails in the woods or out on rocks for wildlife, but this practice is no longer recommended. Today, the best disposal methods are determined by a number of factors including how long you will be out fishing, whether bears live in the area, if whirling disease is a concern, and what the local regulations dictate.

When entrails are tossed into the woods or on the shore, they attract wildlife. Animals and birds have been observed following both hunters and anglers in hopes of obtaining a free lunch of guts. These animals lose their natural wariness of people and can become a nuisance or worse. Entrails that are not eaten by wildlife will rot and smell and make the area undesirable for those who visit after you, so please do not leave fish guts dangling in the bushes or sitting out on a rock.

The best possible way to dispose of fish entrails—as with any kind of waste—is to pack them out. Consider using doubled zip-lock bags or some form of bear-proof container for this purpose. When waste is packed out, its impact on the aquatic environment is zero, however, for extended backcountry trips or when bears are a major concern, packing fish entrails out may not be feasible.

If you can’t pack out your fish entrails, you have a number of other options such as burial, deep water deposition or moving water deposition. Check with local land managers to find out what they recommend. In some states, there are laws that determine how you should dispose of fish entrails, in others, there are just guidelines. Either way, the land managers will be able to help you.

Water deposition—either in water greater than 10 feet deep or in large rivers and streams—is an acceptable technique in some areas where bears are a concern such as Alaska. However, in many of the West’s trout waters, this practice is unacceptable because of the incidence of whirling disease. Whirling disease, which affects trout and other salmonids (trout and salmon family), can be spread by infected entrails. So in areas where the disease is a concern, do not throw fish guts into the water. Water disposal is also illegal in some states such as Minnesota.

Burning is not recommended because it requires a big, hot fire to effectively consume the entrails and such a fire may have undesirable side effects.

If you are worried about whirling disease and you can’t pack the fish entrails out, bury them in a cat hole. Cat holes should be at least 200 feet from camps and water and at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Wildlife may dig up the entrails, but burial does prevent the spread of whirling disease and minimizes the impact of smell on other visitors.

Whirling disease: This condition affects the central nervous system of trout, especially rainbow and cutthroat, causing the infected fish to slowly lose its sense of direction and begin swimming in circles. This odd behavior accounts for the name of the disease. Whirling disease is spread through spores released by an infected salmonid fish (the disease does not affect humans or non-salmonid fish). It has caused severe declines in certain western trout populations.

Whirling disease spores are waterborne, so anglers should wash and, if possible, disinfect any equipment that has been in contact with water where salmonids live to help prevent the spread of the disease. This includes boots, waders, float tubes, lines, and tackle.

Fish entrails removed from fish caught in infected areas should either be packed out or buried deeply in a cathole. For more information on Whirling Disease, please visit http://www.whirling-disease.org/

As for properly disposing of fish waste leftover from cooking, we’d strongly recommend pack it all out. We wouldn’t recommend burying or leaving out for scavengers. As a last resort, on a long trip where packing out is not a realistic option, we might – ONLY IN BEAR COUNTRY – recommend burning the remains. However, there are many factors to consider regarding the use of fire to dispose of waste – are fires legal, are the current conditions conducive to having a safe and responsible fire, is there an adequate source of firewood, etc. Checking with local land managers and putting some thought into the best disposal options will ensure a safe and eco-friendly outing.

The Situation for July

In last month’s newsletter, we asked:
On your way down from a short, out-and-back hike to a popular historic outlook, something catches your eye. Stranded crackers, chips and a twist-tie are left on a picnic-perfect granite slab where earlier you noticed some college students snacking. Thinking that you could definitely recognize the party who was eating there, and that you could easily catch up to them, what would you do?

This is what you said:
Leftover crackers, chips, twist ties? And I’m pretty sure I know who left them on the rock? And I think I could catch up with them? I’d pick them up, hike down to catch up with the group, and politely tell them that they forgot something…the dialogue would be something like: “Excuse me. Are these yours? I saw you sitting on the rock where I found these. I’m sure you didn’t intentionally leave them behind, because you’re probably aware these leftovers and wrappings may not be great for the environment. Nevertheless, if you don’t want them back, I’d be happy to toss them. Enjoy the rest of your hike!”
-Liz Fitzgerald

If the group is not in earshot of the party, the food is abandoned. Collect all of it as either food for yourself or trash. Since the route is short, it is more likely trash to me. I would not make any attempt to catch up with the group and would proceed according to my own hike plan.
-John Blocher

Given the situation the first thing I would do is take a picture then pack out the trash. Assuming that I would run into the offenders, and I was sure it was them, I would approach them and start talking about how nice the day is and how great a place we are fortunate to have and visit. Hopefully this would start some friendly conversation. Then I would turn the conversation to conservation, “You know how important it is that people don’t deface this wonderful area” and “how would you feel if you went to some nice spot and found it had been trashed and violated. ”Assuming, there were following my thoughts I would then announce “You will not believe what I just found back on the rocks” and with this I would show the garbage I found. I would tell them I found the rock crying and the animals scared because of the trash. And, how happy they were when I picked everything up. I would assume that these people did not know they were doing something wrong and that I could show them how this behavior is not consistent with the good type of people they are.
-Jay Dement

I’ve done something similar in situations similar but not exactly the same. I would probably collect the stuff, then when I caught up with them I would be all perky and dumb and say something like, “OMG! I’m so glad I caught up with y’all! Y’all dropped all this stuff accidentally and I know you didn’t mean to leave it! You might need it!!” As I was saying that, I’d push the stuff into their hands. (People usually tend to reach out to take something if you hand it to them.) Since I’m old enough that I’d probably remind them of their mom, it usually works. The “dumb mom” act can defuse any defensive mechanism that might kick in on the part of the kids. If they reacted well, I might even go a step farther and give them a VERY brief Leave No Trace spiel. If they got defensive anyway, I would just leave, taking whatever stuff they didn’t take with me. Worth a try, anyway...
-Sandra Sallee

Crackers chips twist tie and students. First gotta pack it out. If I were able to catch them I would confront return and explain a little Leave No Trace. Assuming they were caught up with the beauty of the area and were absent minded the Leave No Trace information presented would serve as a lesson for their next outing. If not able to catch them proper disposal and I still feel good.
-John C. Cary

“What I would do first is clean up the mess. Leaving it behind may give others the impression that's it's okay to leave things like that behind. If you can then catch up to the suspect group, ask them if they left the debris behind. If the answer is no, thank them for leaving no trace. If the answer is yes, tell them you cleaned up the mess, and offer to dispose of it, or offer it to them so they may dispose of it. In any case, be polite and friendly, and ask that they practice Leave No Trace in the future, and offer suggestions on how that may be done. For example: Carry their supplies out in a plastic or paper bag thay can be used as a trash bag at clean up time.”
-Dan West

The Leave No Trace e-tour responds:
Engaging in conversations with fellow outdoor users can often be a sensitive issue for both parties. Being familiar with a technique called the “ Authority of the Resource” is a solid approach to entering into a friendly constructive dialogue with other outdoor users who might be engaging in actions considered to be less than Leave No Trace. This particular scenario was a true-life experience, and I’ll respond by recounting the resolution.

I gathered up the litter and crumbs in a baggie that had come from my own snacks. At a point where the group had to pause to allow safe passage over some slippery granite, I opened the conversation with a friendly hello, and a comment about how even the short hike had made me hungry. Mentioning that I had seen them consuming some tasty snacks, I remarked that I was looking forward to my lunch back at the car. Now knowing that I had engaged the correct group of users, we had a conversation on how animals might become ill from eating human food, as we might if we ate the animals’ food. I explained the idea of the litter as a social impact from a visitor’s perspective instead of the simple “feeding the birds” which was the intent of their actions. When I showed the group the litter I had collected, not only did they apologize for me having to do so, but offered me a granola bar to stave off my grumbling stomach.

For Dr. Wallace’s work go to: http://carhart.wilderness.net/docs/manuals/waappg.pdf