Go Gently Into Good Land

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Founded in 1965 by Paul Petzoldt, the National Outdoor Leadership School, with headquarters in Lander, Wyoming, continues to he a champion of backcountry ethics and a pioneer in techniques of minimal impact wilderness travel and camping. The article above is adapted from an appendix prepared by the school's staff for a USDA Forest Service publication (General Technical Report INT-265, Low-Impact Recreational Practices for Wilderness and Backcountry, by David N' Cole,1989), and is used here with permission..

America is still a land of undeniably beautiful wilderness areas, providing quality recreational experiences. But if we are to maintain the ecological integrity of such areas, it's imperative that every visitor tread lightly. As an introductory guide to minimal-impact backcountry travel and camping, we recommend the following practices.

Backcountry Travel

1.MOVE QUIETLY AN THE WILDERNESS By doing so, you'll be more aware of the environment, wildlife will be less disturbed and other visitors will appreciate your courtesy.

2.WHEN TRAVELING WITH A LARGE PARTY, split up and hike in groups of no more than six. Four is the optimum number, especially for cross-country travel.

3.IF POSSIBLE, visit popular areas at times when use levels are lowest—during the off-season and on weekdays. However, avoid wilderness travel at times when the environment is particularly fragile: during spring snowmelt, for example, when the soil is muddy and easily imprinted.

4. PACK OUT EVERY SCRAP of your own litter plus as much of that left by others as you can find room for (litter attracts more litter. Spruce up the wilderness on the way out, when your pack is light.

5. GRANT THOSE WHO COME AFTER YOU a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them. Enjoy an occasional edible plant, if you choose, but be careful not to deplete the veg etation in any one area, or to disturb plants that are rare or don't reproduce in abundance (such as many edible lilies).

6. RESPECT THE PRIVACY and needs of wild animals and birds. When tracking wildlife for a photograph or a closer look, stay downwind, avoid sudden movements and never pursue, crowd or otherwise harass the animals. Minimizing disturbance is particularly important at birthing and nesting sites, as well as at watering holes and feeding grounds, and is critical in winter, when wild animals are already dangerously stressed. Learn as much as you can about local birds and animals and their needs before entering a wilderness area. Even though some animals may be quite bold and curious, resist the temptation to feed them: Even in low-use areas, providing handouts to wildlife can alter feeding habits, leading to unnatural behavior and the endangerment of the very animals you wish to befriend.

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