{"id":63598,"date":"2024-10-01T12:09:08","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T18:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=63598"},"modified":"2024-10-07T15:44:07","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T21:44:07","slug":"be-kind-in-nature-10-ways-to-leave-no-trace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/be-kind-in-nature-10-ways-to-leave-no-trace\/","title":{"rendered":"Be kind in nature. 10 ways to \u2018leave no trace\u2019 and take good care of trails, parks and wildlife."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
\"Crowds
A crowd gathers at The Loch, one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. As the number of people using trails increases, being kind in nature is more important than ever. Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon for UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The stillness of a deep blue alpine lake entrances you.<\/p>\n

Above you, pointy peaks seem to stand guard over this remote area. Hiking here required a two-mile trek with a 1,000-foot gain in altitude.<\/p>\n

Sweaty but satisfied, you snack on an orange that tastes sweeter in the backcountry than it does at home. You drink in the peace of this spectacular spot.<\/p>\n

Then a buzzing sound shatters your serenity.<\/p>\n

Three dudes have just launched a drone and are loudly filming video of themselves in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s illegal, of course, but in the TikTok era, social media posts from once-wild places have sparked inconsiderate viral behavior.<\/p>\n

Back in 2017, you no doubt heard about the Brazilian outerwear company that hauled models and a commercial photographer to Colorado\u2019s beloved Hanging Lake for an ad shoot. That, too, was illegal, and the company was fined<\/a>. But after the egregious violation, Hanging Lake became more famous than ever. Tourist visits increased, prompting a reservation system<\/a>, then a wildfire ravaged the area near Glenwood Springs.<\/p>\n

Since then, the pandemic prompted a rush to spend time outdoors. As droves of people headed to the mountains, the number of people climbing Colorado\u2019s 14-ers spiked 44%<\/a> in a single year. The use of U.S. Forest Service trails and camping spots also surged, and the National Park Service started requiring reservations for visits to its most popular destinations, like Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>. Colorado also earned the dubious distinction in 2021 of requiring more backcountry searches and rescues<\/a> than any other state.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that crowds are threatening some of our most precious outdoor areas. But nature lovers can team up to make a difference. You can learn how to be a steward who is kind in nature and protects the great outdoors.<\/p>\n

How you can be kind in nature<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"A
Hikers stop to rest and take photos at Alberta Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon for UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and camping all are great for the heart and soul.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no doubt that spending time outdoors, either in solitude or among family and friends, can enrich a person\u2019s quality of life,\u201d said Donna Nemeth, regional press officer for the Rocky Mountain Regional Office of the USDA Forest Service.<\/p>\n

Nemeth said outdoor recreation activities by far account for the single greatest use of National Forest lands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe encourage healthy, active and safe outdoor activities that support \u2018leave no trace\u2019 principles,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s absolutely critical for individuals to step up and do their part to take better care of natural areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach of us has a role in being a steward of the land, and a responsibility to follow \u2018best practices\u2019 when visiting public lands so that the shared experience is enjoyable to everyone,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

Here is advice for being kind in nature and leaving parks, plants and wildlife just as you found them.<\/p>\n

1. Know before you go<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cPlan ahead and prepare for your outing,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s critical to check for information in advance. This includes everything from weather and road conditions to hiking and camping information.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlan ahead and prepare for your outing. Be aware of local guidelines, potential restrictions or closures and off-road vehicle regulations. Many places have limits on camping, and if you\u2019re bringing your dog, you need to be aware of leash laws,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of great information is available on the web. If you have more questions, call the District or Forest Service office and talk with someone to get the most current information,\u201d she said. \u201cBeing aware of regulations in advance can make your trip so much more enjoyable.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Stay on trails and avoid harming fragile areas like alpine tundra or riparian areas like streams and wetlands.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Being
The Loch is beautiful in Rocky Mountain National Park. But crowds are putting more pressure on national parks, national forests and popular trails. Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon for UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nemeth advises people always to wear good hiking shoes or boots that can get wet so you can stay on trails and avoid causing erosion or damage to natural areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially during mud season, you may have to walk through puddles. If everyone skirts a puddle, a trail that was three or four feet wide can become 10 feet wide. Try to stay on the trail,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you do have to travel off of trails, have your group spread out to minimize damage to plants,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

3. Bring everything you need to stay safe in the outdoors and pack out everything <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Trash and human and dog waste have become rampant along some trails, at popular destinations and camping spots or at heavily used areas like natural hot springs. It\u2019s unacceptable to leave waste behind.<\/p>\n

Nemeth says the backcountry ethic is to bring what you need, pack everything out and leave no trace that you were there.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways bring water, food, toilet paper, a garden trowel and Ziploc bags with you so you can pick up pet and human waste,\u201d Nemeth said. \u201cIt\u2019s important to dispose of waste properly. Never leave it in the backcountry. People go on picnics, which is great. Some people will bag everything up and just leave it there.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. Leave what you find<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Natural areas soothe us because of the beauty that we find there. That includes flowers, rocks and other natural objects.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t collect rocks, plants or archaeological artifacts. All of these things need to stay where they are so the next person can enjoy them,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

5. Respect trees and rocks. Never mark them with your initials or other graffiti.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Scars
Scars mar along a busy trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon for UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nature sometimes leaves scars behind. For instance, natural wildfires sometimes leave black spots on tree trunks that can remain standing for decades. Elk are famous for rubbing their antlers on aspen trees. And ferocious winds at high elevations can whip trees and shrubs into spookily-shaped curving stumps called krummholz. These phenomena are fascinating and natural. But some park and forest visitors who are not familiar with how to behave in natural places like to carve their initials into trees or paint rocks. Leaving human-created scars is illegal and permanently mars pristine areas.<\/p>\n

6. Practice fire safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As climate change is causing larger, more extreme wildfires, it\u2019s absolutely incumbent on all nature lovers to prevent unplanned fires in remote areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeware of fire restrictions and minimize your impacts,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re backpacking and fires are not allowed in a wilderness area or national park, then plan ahead to cook with a small camping stove<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you are camping in an area that allows a campfire, be sure to use the established fire ring and never leave a campfire unattended. When you leave your campsite, be sure that your fire is completely out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should be able to stick your hand in the ashes. They should feel cold to the touch. If any amount of heat remains, add more water and try touching the ashes again,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

7. Respect wildlife. Do not approach or feed wildlife.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many decades ago, rangers at Yellowstone National Park used to feed grizzly bears so visitors could see the mighty animals. Of course, biologists then learned that feeding wild animals harmed their populations.<\/p>\n

These days, you might encounter aggressive chipmunks or birds that have become used to humans intentionally or accidentally dropping snacks. Nemeth encourages everyone to avoid approaching or feeding wildlife.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can be tempting to want to feed them. Some wildlife have gotten used to people feeding them. But it\u2019s not good for the animals or the humans,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

Also, if you ever spot a baby animal like a young fawn on its own, leave it alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe animal may appear to be abandoned, but the adults sometimes leave them while they go out to feed. You don\u2019t want to disturb them,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

8. Always have a Plan B<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Packed parking lots have become rampant since the pandemic. Nemeth encourages people to prepare for complications like this.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you show up to your favorite trailhead and it\u2019s full, rather than adding to the congestion, you may want to visit an area that\u2019s less crowded,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The same holds true for changing weather. As Coloradans well know, storms move in quickly. Perhaps you were planning to do a peak climb, but thunderstorms are moving in early, and it\u2019s not safe to be at a high elevation when lightning could strike.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways have a Plan B in place,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

9. Be mindful of your surroundings and considerate of others<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cBe respectful in nature. Be mindful of your surroundings. Be considerate of others. Yield to other people on trails and keep your pets under control,\u201d Nemeth said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSimple courtesies will make your experience and everyone else\u2019s experience much more enjoyable,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

10. Embrace quiet and dark places<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Milky
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a great place for stargazing. Here, the Milky Way is visible over the dunes with snowy peaks in the distance. Photo courtesy of NPS\/Patrick Myers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As crowds surge in once-remote areas around the world, it\u2019s increasingly difficult to escape light pollution and find silence. We can all do our part by being as quiet as possible and paying attention to designations for intentionally dark areas.<\/p>\n

Some ways to be kind in nature are obvious. Do no play loud music, bring drones or rev up loud, motorized vehicles in areas where they are not allowed.<\/p>\n

And we can all learn about and enjoy International Dark-Sky Parks like Great Sand National Park and Preserve<\/a>. Enjoy Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in all seasons.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The stillness of a deep blue alpine lake entrances you. Above you, pointy peaks seem to stand guard over this remote area. Hiking here required a two-mile trek with a 1,000-foot gain in altitude. Sweaty but satisfied, you snack on an orange that tastes sweeter in the backcountry than it does at home. You drink […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2123,"featured_media":63622,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[2474,9187,4792],"class_list":["post-63598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-live-colorado","tag-hiking","tag-readysetco","tag-to-do-in-colorado"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nBe kind in nature. 10 ways to 'leave no trace.' - UCHealth Today<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It\u2019s clear that crowds are threatening our outdoor areas. 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