Why you Need Mountain Manners ?
A few weeks ago a buddy and I, headed out to the Nine Mile Ranch area where the Walker River runs through Nevada USA. We were very excited to hike and fish this back country. Truly primitive camping and wilderness. We had a excellent time indeed.
That said we also learned a thing or two about being responsible in the back country. We were surprised at the amount of trash and debris, deliberately left behind. Not cool! Its this kind of acts that lead to closures or more unnecessary regulations. How about we all agree to have some mountain manners and be stewards to the lands that we love. I truly believe that almost all folks want to be a good steward while traveling and with a little knowledge and preparation its easier and less of a hassle than you think.
As my Granny always said “Leave things better than you found them”
While doing research on what advice I could discover and already very familiar with Leave No Trace. I happened upon some excellent frame work for taking care of mother nature. After all Mom appreciates good manners. instead of reinventing the wheel I thought id share some good advise from the Gunnison Valley/Crested Butte stewardship team from their Mountain Manners program. Much thanks to them for helping us all be better stewards.
Being a good steward, means being prepared to leave no trace. Make sure you have trash bags and a way to safely and hygienical take trash and waste to its proper place. Also always be ready to take your refuse and debris with you possibly for a long hall, as many backcountry areas simply do not provide trash disposal. Its simply a matter of being prepared and that its apart of a successful journey.
MANNER #1: Follow the Beaten Path
Straying from designated paths can cause harmful erosion, and damage fragile plants, so we ask you to take the road most traveled. (with apologies to Robert Frost).
MANNER #2: Scoop the Poop
Your #2 is becoming our #1 issue. If it’s your pet’s, please bag it and take it out to a trash can! If it’s your own, bury it in a cat-hole at least 6-8 inches deep or better yet, pack it out.
MANNER #3: Gather up Garbage
Even if it’s not yours, please pack out litter! Nothing makes Mother Nature happier. Remember, food scraps are litter, too. Even if food is considered “biodegradable,” no one wants to see your orange peels lying around – and human food is unhealthy for wildlife.
MANNER #4: Don’t Feed The Bears
Or deer, birds, chipmunks, etc. Please keep yourself – and your food – out of the reach of wildlife. Store all food in bear boxes or bear-proof containers, NOT in your vehicle.
MANNER #5: Remove Fishing Line and Hooks
Fishing hooks and tangled line are dangerous to wild animals, birds, fish, pets and kids. Please remove this litter from water and shoreline and pack it out.
MANNER #6: Keep Invasive Species Out
Take all steps to keep invasive species from spreading and destroying out lakes, streams, rivers and meadows.
MANNER #7: Don’t Pick The Flowers!
It’s no easy task to blossom and survive in challenging alpine conditions – wildflowers work hard to grow! Please don’t disturb or remove plants, rocks or artifacts. Their home is right where you found them. Always stay on trail and never destroy or walk on vegetation.
MANNER #8: Social Media Do’s and Don’ts
Keep wild places wild and don’t geo-tag your Instagram Photo! Special places can be destroyed by Insta-fame. Remember that people may want to get the same photo as you – be sure your pics are taken from a safe place and do not show a dangerous activity or one that could disturb wildlife or fragile landscapes. Selfie accidents are a thing – watch your footing!
Have fun, be safe and travel well….
Cheers.
Nomad
