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Outdoor ethics: tread lightly and leave some places for our grandchildren to enjoy
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The writer's 4runner near Logan, Utah. Photo by Shane Roe
We've all seen it: damage to pristine areas done by campers or off-roaders. Litter strewn across a campground, tire tracks tearing up a meadow, fire rings everywhere and anywhere. Many of us who also enjoy the same camping and off-roading activities, find ourselves needlessly under fire because of careless and stupid actions of a few unethical people.
Utah four wheeling organizations, such as the Utah Four Wheel Drive Association (U4WDA) are constantly battling, not only with evironmentalists who wish to close roads, but also with a major cause for concern over those roads--people who have no clue as to how to take care of the environment--or even worse--people who don't care.
Sadly and unfairly, amongst the uninformed public, all off-roaders become lumped into the same unethical group. Says one 4x4 enthusiast, "We all know that according to these pre-meditated and deliberate tracks non wheelers will think all 4X4 enthusiasts are still land rapists and heathens." Says another, "I am seriously tempted to start a vigilante wheeler group and wreck these rigs that are wrecking the hills."
Of course, not all the damage we see is done by off-roaders. Inconsiderate campers, fishermen, and other travelers scatter their trash across the landscape, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of more ethical users of the land. These are the same kinds of people who think nothing of tossing a cigarette butt or a McDonald's bag out the car window.
Treadlightly.org is an organization dedicated to promoting a healthy balance between motorized outdoor activities, and responsible use of the outdoors. Here are some of their suggestions for responsible land use.
TIPS TO MINIMIZE YOUR IMPACT
* Stay on routes designated for four wheeling.
* Cross streams only at designated fording points, or where the road crosses the stream.
* Cross large rocks and other obstacles slowly, at an angle, one wheel at a time.
* Avoid muddy trails. Leave them for another day when they’re dry. If you do come across mud on the trail, go easy on the gas to avoid wheel spin, which can cause rutting. Don’t leave the trail to avoid muddy spots, this can widen the trail and damage trailside plant-life.
* Straddle ruts, gullies and washouts even if they are wider than your vehicle.
* Don’t turn around on narrow roads, steep terrain, or unstable ground. Backup until you find a safe place to turn around.
* Travel straight up or down hills. Don’t traverse the face of a hill; you may slip sideways or roll your vehicle.
* Stop frequently and reconnoiter ahead on foot.
* Ride in the middle of trails to minimize widening them. Avoid side-slipping and wheel spin, which can lead to erosion.
* To help with traction, balance your load and lower tire pressure to where you see a bulge (typically not less the than 20 pounds).
* Know where the differential or lowest point on the vehicle is.
* Choose the appropriate winch for your vehicle size.
* Attach towing cable, tree strap or chain as low as possible to the object being winched. Let the winch do the work; never drive the winch.
* Protect the soundscape by avoiding unnecessary noise created by your vehicle.
* Leave gates as you find them. Respect private land.
* Yield the right-of-way to those passing you or traveling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers, and horses.
* Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife.
* Always avoid sensitive habitats: wetlands, meadows, and tundra.
* Following a ride, wash your vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.
* Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated “Wilderness.”
* Pack out what you pack in. Carry a trash bag in your vehicle and pick up litter left by others.
WHEN CAMPING
* Whenever possible, use existing campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents.
* Camp a least 200 feet from water, trails and other campsites.
* Minimize use of fire. For cooking, try using a camp stove.
BEFORE YOU GO
* Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements. If you cross private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
* Get a map.
* Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell someone where you are going and your expected return time.
* Check the weather forecast.
* Make sure your vehicle is mechanically up to task. Be prepared with tools, supplies and spares for trailside repairs.
* Travel with a group of two or more vehicles, as riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.
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