Wilderness Ethics

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Please practice leave no trace hiking and camping. You can reduce your impact on the environment by observing these guidelines:

Camping - Camp in trees as opposed to meadows. Pine duff can withstand use much better than fragile meadow flowers and plants. Trees also offer you privacy and shelter from the wind. Camp at least 100 feet from trails and water. Animals will not come to water if you are too close.

Fire - Use a small camp stove and avoid building campfires whenever possible. Campfires consume scarce vegetation and leave permanent scars on the rocks and land. Also, the risk of starting a forest fire is less when using a stove.

Sanitation - Bury human waste in the top six to eight inches of topsoil at least 100 feet from water sources, and urinate well away from trails and water sources. If you must use soap, make sure it is biodegradable.

Refuse - Pack out all garbage, litter and extra food. Nothing should be left behind. Food scraps, like egg and peanut shells and orange peels, take a long time to decompose and are eyesores to other hikers.

Pets - Pets are allowed in the wilderness; however, they must be kept under control at all times. Pets must not be allowed to chase wildlife.

Travel - Travel in wilderness areas is restricted to foot or horseback. No motorized or mechanical equipment, including chainsaws and bicycles, is allowed. Group size may also be restricted.

Trails - Use existing trails, and avoid cutting switchbacks. Shortcutting does not save time and will cause serious erosion problems.