The Singing Scoutmaster: Outdoor Ethics

(If Bigfoot can do it, so can you!)

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
• Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
• Repackage food to minimize waste.
• Use a map and compass or GPS to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Durable surfaces include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow.
• Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
• In popular areas:
  • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
  • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
  • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
• In pristine areas:
  • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
  • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
• Inspect your site for trash and spilled food. Pack out all litter and waste.
• Use toilet facilities where available. Otherwise, dig catholes 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover when finished.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• To wash, carry water 200 feet from lakes or streams, use small amounts of biodegradable soap, and scatter strained dishwater.
4. Leave What You Find
• Examine but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Leave rocks, plants, and natural objects as you find them.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Use a stove for cooking and a lantern for light where possible.
• Where permitted, use fire rings or mound fires.
• Use only downed, dead wood that can be broken by hand.
• Burn wood completely to ash, put out fires completely, and scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife
• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. It damages their health and habits.
• Store food and trash securely.
• Control pets or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
• Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.
• Yield to other users on the trail.
• Step aside for pack stock.
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and others.
• Let nature's sounds prevail — avoid loud voices and noises.