7 quick tips for low impact camping

[energygirl]

Low impact camping, simply means you are not leaving evidence that you have been there!  Here are just a few tips to follow when out on a tri, that we shared with new groups we took out in colorado. 
1. If you are in a group and there is a trail, please stay on the trail and walk in a single  line.   That means when there are puddles or rocks, do not walk around the edge of the trail.  This may make your shoes muddy, but it keeps the trail narrow and nice looking.  If everyone walks out of the edges, it widens the trail, and makes it look sloppy.  (If mud is a big problem, gaiters work well, fit nicely over hiking boots, and even with shorts your legs won't get too hot!) 

2. If there is no trail (and you are using a compass etc.) do not walk in a straight line with others in your group.  Spread out.  One person pushing down a blade of grass does not keep it down, it springs back up.  Five people walking on the same blades, crushes them, leaving evidence behind you.

3. Ok, so we are all adults here and I can talk about bathroom issues right?  A small shovel works great, just make sure you are not within 100 feet of a trail or water source before you dig a hole.  (If there is a big rock you can roll it over, go under it, and roll it back.  If making a hole, mae it atleast 6 inches deep, and please do not bury bathroom paper.  Animals can dig it up, and it messes with nature!  Green leaves (seriously.....not as bad as you would think) and flat rocks work well to wipe also.  If you use bathroom paper, you can pack it out in a small zip lock bag. (Same with feminine products.)  If you place a crushed asprin in the bag, it absorbs the smell, same with baking soda.)  Then put the zip lock in a brown paper bag, and it can go back in your pack.  I prefer leaves and rocks, simply cause it's easier.  To pee, if you break off a small pine need branch (green) and wipe front to back with the needles not frayed out, you won't have to wait so long to drip dry, or use tp. 
4. ALways use some sort of biodegradable soap (there are several out there) for washing dishes, hands, etc.  That way we aren't putting chemicals in the environment.
5. When you take down your tent, use some sticks etc. to brush the ground so it doesn't stay flat where your tent was.  No evidence you were there, remember?  Throw a few rocks/sticks over the spot so it isn't bare.
6. Cooking over a fire?  You can burn the leftover food (but not plastic bags etc...those should be packed out with you.) If you use a camp stove, you need to take left overs with you and not bury them.  Otherwise animals get in the habit of digging them up, and hanging out close to people.
7. If there is a campfire ring, and you are in a remote area, dismantle it, so there is no evidence someone built it.  If you are in a frequently traveled area, however, and you see one, just leave it there.  If enough people camp there, they will probably just build a bunch if they don't find one, so there might as well be one safely well built one.  If you are in a remote area and want to build a no trace fire (with no ring, and absolutley no evidence you had a fire, including burnt spots on the ground. let me know and I can write how to do it correctly.  (I am almost out of time here, as my husband is almost home and I make it a point not to be chatting with you ladies when he finally gets here!)
Hope that brief list helps you out!  If you have any specific questions about low impact camping, or about roughing it in the wild, I would be glad to share my experiences with you!  Happy camping!

Energygirl Helping others live more naturally at www.shaklee.net/safeshopper

[zimbee]

So amazing.  I've only read the first 3 and I've already learned more than I realized.  And I thought I was being considerate!!!!!

Thank you SO much for this post!

: ) Kaycee

[zimbee]

I'm bumping this post, because it is a great time of year to hear these again!