Minnesota Summertime

A Minnesota Sunset

While the e-tour rolls into Minnesota and the start of summer there, which can mean only one thing -- flat water canoeing. Canoeing is a great way to enjoy the lakes region of the U.S. and Canada, so if you're packing up and heading out to a chain of lakes this summer, here are a few Leave No Trace tips for your paddling:

• Wear great boots -- Trails between lakes are, because of the fact that they go between lakes, much more likely to be muddy than usual trails. So make sure you have great boots so you can tromp right through that mud and protect the vegetation and habitat on either side of the trail.
• Don't crash into shoreline -- Give both the landing and your boat a break by wet-foot portaging. In this technique, you slow the boat and use your feet to stop it before it crashes into rocks and landing, avoiding damaging them and keeping from making that big old crashing sound. Hop out in the water to unload the boat and throw it up on your shoulders for that hike over.
• Check fire regulations -- Just because your around water doesn't mean you can get careless with your fire building. When you set off on a backcountry paddle, check the current fire regulations before you go and keep them in mind throughout the trek. If you start with a fire ban on your permit, it's a fire ban throughout your trip even if it rains or weather conditions change.
• Check your boat for invasive species -- Just like it's important to clean your boots before a backpacking trip, if you're moving your boat from one area to another you should check it for invasive species. Check in with boat permitting offices for the most up-to-date information about invasives and stop aquatic hitchhikers!

We're excited to be in Minnesota right at the start of the season and are looking forward to getting some paddling in ourselves! So enjoy the North Woods & Leave No Trace!

Paddle or Portage?

Quinn & Frank

Open Places are Great Spaces

Little Missouri River in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The e-tour has made it to the Dakotas! Over the past 48 hours, we have traveled from Nebraska to South Dakota to the northern reaches of North Dakota, arriving in Minot today for a couple days of training. It's been a perfect way to experience National Parks Week, as we have been lucky enough to stop in two different National Parks in the Dakotas -- Wind Cave and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks. These treasures of the prairies, Black Hills, and badlands highlight both unique geology and incredible wildlife. One of the coolest aspects of the parks are the herds of wild bison or American Buffalo. Drawing on the legacy of President Teddy Roosevelt to protect the bison by reintroducing them to the prairies above Wind Cave in 1913 from the New York Zoological Society, these parks provide sanctuary to some of the most magnificent creatures on Earth.

Buffalo in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

We want to challenge you to think about the importance of wide open spaces like these. Often people look to preserve landscapes, but sometimes protecting wildlife can be even more crucial. When you think about the Leave No Trace Principle "Respect Wildlife," try and imagine it as an overall goal. More than just not feeding wildlife and avoiding encroachment upon their space, this principle also encompasses preserving their habitat for them when you go into the outdoors. Think about dead trees that are still standing, or snags, which can be used as homes for animals when collecting firewood. Think about campsite selection near water sources that can affect wildlife drinking behavior for days. Think about the role old animal bones or antlers play in wildlife nutrition as sources of calcium or vitamins and why that's an important reason to Leave What You Find. In the Dakotas, the majesty of the bison drive home the importance of Respecting Wildlife, but every time you go outside to explore you are visiting animals' habitats. So think about that next time you're on a hike, bike, drive, or paddle!

On a Buffalo,

Quinn & Frank

Sly as a Fox

Channel Islands National Park

As the e-tour continues to head west, we leave the "sky islands" of Southern Arizona for the Channel Islands off the coast of California. This epic series of islands, designated a National Park in 1980, hosts a variety of endemic and fascinating species. As volcanic islands isolated from the mainland, these ecosystems have evolved in such a fashion where unique plants and animals can thrive without heavy competition. One example is the island fox, a distinct fox species that only grows to 12 to 15 inches in height. Although no larger than a house cat, the island fox is the largest mammal in the island chain. Without any predators on the island, this fox has ended up quite curious.

The endemic island fox

The fox box!

Because the island fox is such a curious fellow, these animals have learned to find the campgrounds and picnic areas on the islands. Learning from experience by finding food left unattended by visitors, many of the foxes have become habituated and often directly approach humans on the islands seeking food. Some really clever foxes have even learned to nudge open tent zippers in search of food! The National Park is making a strong effort to help island foxes and visitors alike. The picnic areas and campgrounds on the islands do not have any trash cans, meaning that backcountry users and frontcountry day-visitors alike must pack out what they pack in. All the picnic tables and campsites are also equipped with food lockers to store any and all temptations through the foxes. By practicing Leave No Trace techniques regarding food repackaging, storage, and disposal, visitors to these islands can help protect one of the incredible animal species that make them such a special place!

Like a Fox on the Run,

Quinn & Frank

Respect Wildlife: Food storage and easy steps for hanging a bear bag

As we are in the midst of camping and hiking season, it’s important to remember how we can minimize our impact on the wildlife that we encounter in the outdoors—particularly in regards to food and trash. At parks and natural areas where there are facilities, it’s as simple as throwing away our trash and taking home what we brought with us.

When camping in more remote areas, we have to use a different set of skills to ensure that our food and trash are stored properly. Human food and trash can cause many problems for wildlife, particularly bears. When wildlife obtains, become accustomed to, and seeks out human foods and trash it can quickly lose its natural instincts, such as foraging or hunting.

Also, you will have a much more enjoyable and safe trip if your food and trash is kept out of reach of animals!

One method for properly storing food, trash and other smelly items is called a bear bag hang. Here are simple steps to successfully completing a single tree hang.

1. First make sure you have equipment you can use, which includes: durable Bags—nylon stuff sacks work well; 50 ft of rope; carabiners—this will help you clip your bags together and on to the rope.
2. Gather all of your smellable items to store in the bags. This includes food, trash, dirty dishes and cookware, deodorant, toothpaste and bug repellant.
3. Choose a tree that is 200+ ft. away from the cooking and sleeping areas of your campsite. Ideally, the cooking, sleeping and bear bag areas will form a triangle with 200ft. along each side (show picture on white board).
4. Choose a tree with a sturdy branch at least 12 ft. off the ground, and a minimum of 6 ft. from the trunk of the tree or nearest branch.
5. Attach a rock to one end of the rope and throw over the 12ft. branch, making sure it is 6 ft or more from the trunk. (This may take a few tries. Remember, safety is important, so make sure to clear the area of people when throwing the rock).
6. A variety of knots can be used at the end of the rope to attach the bag(s). Then clip the bags together and to the knot using your carabineers. Hoist the bags into the air—again, 12 ft. up and 6 ft. out. You may need a friend or two to help with this part.
7. Tie the free end of the rope to the tree, making sure it is secure and will not become undone overnight.

Remember, this bear bag hang is just one way you can properly store your food, trash and other smelly items during an overnight camping trip in the backcountry. By following these simple steps and using a few materials from your backpack, you can do your part to help Respect Wildlife.

Wildlife Bridge: What do you think?

I ran across this article about a proposed wildlife bridge crossing over I-70 west of Vail. The issue, near to hearts in Colorado, is relevant a lot of places and introduces a great discussion on the intersection of humans, wildlife and technology.

Engineering firms all over the world have submitted designs for this proposed bridge that would, in theory, help decrease the number of vehicle-wildlife collisions and create a safe passage for wildlife such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, lynx, black bear, snowshoe hares. Proponents argue that it would also allow wildlife easier movement/migration and a larger habitat through the mountains, currently restricted by the I-70 corridor. Strategically placed cameras along the crossing could also help scientists monitor wildlife patterns.

There are a number of arguments against the idea too, primarily the price tag associated with such a project and the reality of how much it would help or decrease the problem (stated above).

Check out the proposed designs and weigh in on the debate. For more information:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_16725692

http://nativeecosystems.org/campaigns/wildlife-bridge

Nature's camouflage - can you find the Ptarmigan?

Many a hiker has probably walked right by a group of Ptarmigans. With their incredible camouflage, and ability to remain motionless unless immediately threatened, these birds are rarely seen.

Respect Wildlife: When Buffalo Attack

Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a "better look". Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee. Large groups often cause more damage to the environment and can disturb wildlife so keep your group small. If you have a larger group, divide into smaller groups if possible to minimize your impacts. Learn More ( + )

FARR WEST (Utah) - A Farr West woman was charged and flipped by a bison in Yellowstone National Park. She recorded the whole encounter. Cathy Hayes was recording with a small camera Monday evening as a friend approached the lone bison at the edge of a parking lot in Biscuit Basin. You can hear Hayes say, "Getting gored by a buffalo." Of course she was joking in those seconds before the large animal started bucking and charged her friend. He fell in the parking lot injuring his shoulder, but the bison had already turned to Hayes and caught her in a small grove of trees flipping her head over heel. "I could hear him over me stomping and snorting and I just knew," Hayes said. "I knew at that second that was it. I thought this is going to be my last moment in Yellowstone Park getting tromped by a buffalo." But the bison left Hayes alone after that. Minutes later she could see and feel her knee swelling to the size of a grapefruit and the bruises began to appear on her arms and legs.

She says she has always been wary of wildlife during trips to the park, but facing down an angry bison gave her greater respect. "They say stay a hundred feet away. We were about 30, 35 feet," Hayes said. "I zoomed in on him, but that wasn't far enough because they are fast and they can turn on a dime."

Source

Respect Wildlife, or what to do with a newborn fawn in your yard

Last week, my wife called me at work, saying there was a newborn fawn in our driveway. Thanks to the internet, and The Second Chance Wildlife Center, I quickly figured out what to do, or more importantly what not to do!

Turns out, all we had to do, was not disturb the little one. My two young daughters quickly understood that the little fawn really didn't need our help. Young fawns are not able to keep up with their moms while grazing during the day. So, the mom seeks out a spot to leave them during the early dawn hours. She then comes back to retrieve them in the late evening.

Sure enough, after putting my girls to sleep, I took one last look out the side window, and the newborn fawn was gone. We all hope that we will see more of her this summer as she grows up!

Second Chance Wildlife Center's great information sheet: www.scwc.org/Library/Animals_FawnHelp.pdf

Wildlife Sightings

Enjoy this beautiful photograph of a white wolf submitted to our Membership Department.

The observers where enjoying a tranquil Alaskan evening when the wolf approached close enough to take a photograph and some video. After spending a few moments posing for the camera, the wolf safely moved on and the two individual were left with a unique memory.

Just a wonderful reminder of the benefits of always having a camera with you and letting the sounds of nature prevail. You get to enjoy unique (and safe) wildlife encounters such as the one depicted in this photo. What's your favorite or most unique wildlife sighting?

Spring Fly Fishing

The fish in Colorado are finally waking up! It's been a long cold winter but the days are getting longer, the snow is starting to thaw, insects are hatching and the fish are biting. I spent the day on the water yesterday and was lucky enough to catch a grand slam - rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout and brook trout. Nothing fancy but a good sign of warmer days and more fly fishing to come.

Greenback Cutthroat Trout


Brook Trout


Brown Trout


Rainbow Trout


When it comes to angling, Leave No Trace is just as important as it is for other outdoor pursuits. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Plan Ahead and Prepare
-Know the local fishing and boating regulations for the area where you’ll fish. Obtain licenses and stamps and have them with you.
-Use a personal flotation device where required and/or appropriate.
-Learn to identify the different species of fish in the area where you’ll be fishing.
-Obey the limits on size and quantity of fish you are allowed to keep. Abide by regulations concerning types of bait and tackle permitted where you are fishing.
-Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
-Plan your trip to avoid times of high use.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
-Durable surfaces include rock, gravel, water, established trails and campsites, sand, or snow.
-Concentrate use on existing trails, campsites, and boat launches.
-Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
-Avoid trampling aquatic vegetation when wading. Refrain from wading in spawning areas when possible.
-Enter and leave water sources at places where the banks are low or where there are gravel bars.
-In pristine areas disperse use to prevent the creation of new campsites and trails.
-Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

Dispose of Waste Properly
-Pack it in, Pack it out. Inspect your camp and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all monofilament fishing line, leftover live bait, and bait cups.
-Avoid using lead sinkers and jigs. If lead sinkers are found, pack out for proper disposal.
-Use established bathrooms when available. If not available, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep and 200ft away from water sources.
-Check with local land managers for regulations on disposal of fish entrails. Pack out entrails when possible. If not possible, burial, deepwater deposition, or moving water deposition are acceptable options in most areas.
-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.

Leave What You Find
-When practicing “catch and release”, use barbless hooks and be sure to not injure the fish. Do not fight a fish to exhaustion, use a rod and line of sufficient strength, avoid suspending fish out of water by the fishing line. Keep fish in water when handling for release and do not touch gills.
-Carry and use needle-nose pliers or hemostats for hook removal.
-Take care not to introduce non-native species to water sources and surrounding areas. Pack out all un-used bait and dispose of properly (e.g. worms, minnows, leaches) and properly wash all equipment between fishing trips.
-Avoid transferring fish from one watershed to another.
-Preserve the past: observe, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

Minimize Campfire Impacts
-Campfires can cause lasting impacts. Use a lightweight stove for cooking when possible.
-Where fires are permitted use established fire rings, mound fires, or fire pans and consider bringing your own firewood.
-Keep fires small and use only dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand.
-Burn all wood and charcoal to ash. Ensure that fire is completely out and properly dispose of cold ashes by scattering or packing out.

Respect Wildlife
-Respect fish by humanely dispatching catches you are keeping with a quick blow to the back of the head with a rock or other solid object.
-Refrigerate or eat fish quickly to avoid wasting them. Check local regulations on using stringers.
-Use caution when cooking fish in bear country.
-Never feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
-Control pets or leave them at home.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
-Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
-Non-motorized crafts usually have right-of-way over powerboats: slower boats should keep to the right.
-If using a radio keep volume low or wear headphones, let nature’s sounds prevail.
-Pick campsites that are away from shoreline or trails and avoid crowding other visitors.

Animal Intelligence

The intelligence of animals on this planet never ceases to amaze me. Life always seems to find a way to carry on. Enjoy...

Safe Travels of the Non-Motorized Kind

Hope you are enjoying the holidays and this season of traveling via planes, trains and automobiles. If you are lucky enough to do some non-motorized traveling - walking through a snowy park, snowshoeing on a nature trail or gliding down a mountain - be sure to keep leave no trace practices in mind wherever your destination may be.

Winter conditions can be extreme so planning a preparing for your outing will ensure a safe and fun trip.

What is now a beautiful landscape of snow might become a flowing stream or important water source come springtime, so knowing the landscape, staying on designated trails if possible and packing out trash will help maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Winter can also be a vulnerable time for wild animals, so being extra careful to respect wildlife and maintaining a safe distance will ensure their safety and yours too.

And, as always, practicing leave no trace keeps open spaces accessible for years to come, so here's to fun, safe and responsible recreation in 2010. Happy New Year!

Ice Water

I guess I was good enough this year to make Santa's list. He brought me a nifty new digital camera that is waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof, dustproof, etc. Now if I can just figure out how to work the thing I'd be all set. It came with a 275 page instruction manual. And that's just the English version. I have a bit of reading to do...

Nonetheless, I took the camera to a local tailwater river yesterday to see if I could get some underwater shots of trout. First, of course, I had to catch them but that wasn't terribly difficult despite the 12˚ air temps. The hardest part of fishing in the winter is keeping your hands warm. Well that and getting out wind knots in tiny monofilament tippet and tying on size 22 midges (tiny, tiny bugs).

Regardless, I did catch some fish and I did take some underwater shots. For a first attempt, they weren't too shabby.





I got to thinking about respecting wildlife on the drive home, and having this new camera reminded me that there are definitely ways to enjoy wildlife in ways that are both legal (catching and releasing fish) and ethical (not getting too close, not feeding, etc.). It boils down to doing what we can to respect and protect all wildlife.

The more we know, the better stewards we can be...

I fly fished this past weekend, which is nothing new. What is new, however, is what I caught - the Rocky Mountain Whitefish. I'd caught them before but never as many (or as big) as I caught last Friday. The whitefish is considered by many to be a 'trash fish', but in reality it's a indicator of a healthy ecosystem. I've actually heard of anglers catching these fish and simply throwing them on the bank to let them die, thinking they were actually helping the local trout population. This myth couldn't be further from the truth. These are wonderful fish to catch and put up a great fight.

From Wikipedia:

The mountain whitefish Prosopium williamsoni is one of the mostly widely distributed salmonid fish of western North America.
The body shape is superficially similar to the cyprinids, although it is distinguished by having the adipose fin of salmonids. The body is slender and nearly cylindrical in cross section, generally silver with a dusky olive green shade dorsally. The short head has a small mouth underneath the snout.

It is a fish of mountain streams and lakes, favoring clear cold water and large deep pools of at least a meter depth; the Lake Tahoe population lives just above the bottom in deeper water. Mountain whitefish are bottom feeders, stirring up the substrate with pectoral and tail fins to expose insect larvae and other invertebrates, including snails, crayfish, and amphipods. Their main feeding time is in the evening, but they will also take drifting prey during the day. The mountain whitefish frequently feeds in the lower strata of streams, but populations may rise to the surface to prey on hatching insects, including mayflies.

Perhaps if more anglers knew the importance of this fish species to the water they inhabit, there would be greater respect and understand for the entire ecosystem.

My Week in the Wild Kingdom

This five-foot-long sea turtle scooted past me on the shore of Ho’okepa, a popular surf spot, while I was visiting Maui last week. A few days later, my son and husband witnessed a black bear sleeping in a pine tree two blocks from our home in central Boulder, Colorado. This morning when I opened the front door to walk the dog, a small, red fox glared at me while it was trotting past my driveway. A minute later, four deer in the neighbor’s yard merely glanced up as we passed.

These wildlife encounters are fascinating and exhilarating but also sad and disturbing. Though it doesn’t get much more than Jacque Cousteau-like than having a giant sea turtle crawl past your beach towel, the situation did not fare well for the turtle. She made it about 25 feet onto shore, and I imagine she was considering laying eggs. She hung out for well over an hour but the inevitability of ooglers finally became too cumulative and too close and she suddenly turned and scampered back into the ocean.

As we populate, build and recreate it may be nearly impossible to stop this progression, though we should always remember to Respect Wildlife:

-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.

Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge Week

On Saturday, we spent the day at Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. We were one of many exhibitors there to celebrate the wildlife that lives in the park. The refuge is here to protect the native and migratory species of wildlife and their habitat. Local artists, wildlife and marine organizations, and wildlife enthusiasts gathered at the visitor center for a day of exploration and fun. There were activities, exhibits, and speakers to enlighten visitors of the abundant wildlife on the island. We were excited to be there to share with folks ways to Leave No Trace while watching the wildlife at the park. We reminded them to never feed, follow, or chase wildlife and to observe all wildlife from a distance.

If you are ever on the eastern shore of Virginia, be sure to check out Chincoteague Island!

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy

A Bear of an Encounter...

More than I'd like to admit, especially on early morning trail runs, the potential for run-ins with wildlife is quite high. On a recent escape in to the foothills surrounding Boulder, I had a buck run across the trail about 8 feet in front of me, and saw more than ample indication that a family of bears inhabits the same area. With an abundance of other recreationists also enjoying the area - via bouldering, hiking, picnicking, etc. - it's important to know how to Respect Wildlife. Even though it's your backyard, it's the front porch for the wildlife community, and important to act appropriately.

Here's one of my favorite videos, sent to me by a Traveling Trainer, that shows in a controlled environment the consequences of not storing or hanging food properly in a campsite. It takes place at a zoo in a mock campsite, but is an interesting representation of a real scenario.



To learn about how to Respect Wildlife, visit the Leave No Trace website.

Weekend Fun on the Trails!

Some quick photos from my run in Boulder Mountain Parks this weekend. Any guesses on the big track in the mud? I would guess Elk, even though I have not seen an elk this close in to Boulder previously.

Approaching Wildlife

Thanks to all those who participated in this week's poll: What should you do when you see wildlife approaching your campsite?

Possible answers were:

1. Put food on the ground to feed the animal.

2. Make lots of noise to scare the animal away.

3. Be quite and try not to startle the animal.

4. Sneak up close to the animal to get a good look. 

The correct answer is: Be quiet and try not to startle the animal. 

Encounters with wildlife inspire tall tales and long moments of wonder. Unfortunately, wildlife around the world faces threats from loss and fragmentation of habitat, invasive species, pollution, over-exploitation, poaching and disease. Protected lands offer a last refuge from some, but not all, of these problems. Consequently, wild animals need recreationists who will promote their survival rather than add to the difficulties they already face.

We know that animals respond to people in different ways. Some species adapt readily to humans in their domain, resume their normal behaviors and are said to be “habituated.” Other animals flee from humans, abandoning their young or critical habitat. Still others are attracted and endangered by human food and trash.

Because outdoor recreation is dispersed over large areas and at all times of the year, its impacts on wildlife can be equally extensive. Fish, birds, and reptiles, as well as mammals, are affected by people using their habitats. We are responsible for coexisting peacefully with wildlife.

Always watch or photograph animals from a safe distance to avoid startling them or forcing them to flee. Do not follow or approach them. If you’re hunting, know your game and take only safe, clean shots.

Use the observation areas, platforms and trails provided in many areas, and bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and telephoto lenses to watch wildlife. Back away if animals react to your presence. To leave the area, move away from the animal even if you must detour from your intended travel direction. You have more options in your movements than animals do. Treat them generously.

 Avoid quick movements and direct eye contact, which may be interpreted as aggression. Don’t disturb wildlife (i.e. by shouting to get their attention) to get a better photo. If animals are on the move, stay out of their line of travel. Travel quietly except in bear or mountain lion country. Don’t hike at night where nocturnal predators may present a hazard to safety.

Adult behaviors influence the relationship of children to the natural world. Show respect and restraint by teaching children not to approach, pet or feed wild animals. Always keep children in immediate sight. They’re often the same size as animal prey. Don’t encircle or crowd wildlife, tease or attempt to pick up a wild animal. Young animals, removed or touched by well-meaning people, may be abandoned by their parents. If you find an animal in trouble, notify a game warden.

Celebrate Wildlife...Grand Canyon Style!

We spent Saturday at the second annual Celebrate Wildlife festivities at Grand Canyon National Park. The event also honored the work of biologist Eric York, who dedicated his life to the study of wildlife in Grand Canyon and National Park and around the world. We encouraged park visitors to let us know how they Respect Wildlife. There were some very thoughtful responses that ranged from "carry out your trash please" to "don't chase them" to "take pictures from far away". We also saw some creative answers like "veggies are better" and "keep your coins, don't throw them in the canyon". But one of the most insightful ideas came from a teenager who very seriously wrote "wildlife is our past and our future, we've got to preserve it!" There are many ways to Respect Wildlife, so we pose the question to you :

HOW DO YOU RESPECT WILDLIFE?

Safe Travels...Kate and Tracy