pack it in, pack it out — leave no trace
a simple guide on how we can all do our part to keep ‘public lands’ open
words and photos: trevor anderson
This should go without saying, but it is something I really do feel strongly about.
It may seem like I’m beating a dead horse to some, but sadly, that is far from the truth.
Our ‘Public Lands’ are getting more and more crowded, and with these crowds comes more trash left behind. Now, I do believe that if we all did our part and picked up after ourselves, stayed on designated trails, camped at already well established campsites, etc, we should all be able to enjoy these beautiful lands.
I understand that by me sharing these places on a public level I am inviting more people to some of these areas (however, I will not be sharing any exact locations of most things, and instead will be talking about regions in general). This is something that we all do every time we post on Instagram anyways, but the difference with my intentions on this site is that I hope I can inform people and include valuable information about how we can all take part to keep the future of these lands safe.
That being said this post will be dedicated to exactly that — informing.
Trash —
This is an obvious one, but c’mon people it’s not that hard at all. PICK UP YOUR TRASH! If you see someone else’s garbage pick that up too. A little bit from everyone will go a long way.
There is nothing more disappointing than finding a pile of trash and someone’s used TP stuck in some bushes or under a rock in the fire pit.
Whether you're out car camping, backpacking or even going for a bike ride, bring some sort of trash bag and make an effort to keep this place clean!
Stay on designated trails —
There is a reason that one trail is there. Use THAT trail. If there is an obstacle, don’t go driving/riding/walking through the bushes to get around it. This causes damage to the environment, as the tracks will be left behind for a long time, leading to more people following this new “B – Line” that had no reason of being there had the first person been properly prepared.
Again, please do your part so we can all continue to share in the experience of exploring these lands as we please!
Camping —
This is another important one.
Camp where other people have camped before. This greatly limits the amount of damage done to the land.
Do not pull your truck off, or toss your tent on living vegetation, and camp in an undeveloped site because you need somewhere to set up your Instagram doll house where the view is better.
While there is some vegetation like grass that can withstand the little abuse of a tent on it for a night, other forms of living vegetation like the cryptobiotic soil typically found in the deserts of the Southwest certainly cannot.
Geotagging —
DON’T DO IT!
Taking a friend to a cool spot is one thing, but geotagging is giving everybody easy access to find a place that most likely is not able to withstand this extreme amount of travel.
If you put a little time and effort in, I’m sure you’ll be able to find just about any spot you see on Instagram. There is no need to bring everyone to one location because it looks like it will fit your insta-aesthetic.
Instead, if you feel a real need to tell people where you were, give the name of a broad location, like “Death Valley National Park,” or “Southwest Colorado.” Places are getting destroyed because they are over trafficked as a result to the ease of putting that geotag into Google Maps.
— many of these people are also uninformed about how to keep these lands safe
Butt Wipe (Toilet Paper) —
Ok, I get it. It might not be everyone’s favorite thing to do, but you have to pack out your toilet paper! (And bury any human waste AT LEAST 6 inches deep, and away from any water source)
Animals will pick up on the scent of toilet paper when it is buried and they will dig it up. This is how we end up finding so much of it scattered – no pun intended – all over the place.
Be Considerate of Others —
You are not the only one trying to spend time in the outdoors. Many people are out to experience nature, so loud noises can be a big distraction.
Also, be courteous where you set up camp. People are often out camping to get away from people, so it is a good idea to try to get to camp early and find a spot that gives others their privacy.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it helped a few people better understand how to properly treat out ‘Public Lands.’
Now its time to get out there!
Here is the Leave No Trace website for more information on how to practice good habits for treading lightly.