Outdoor Tips

SECRETS OF SETTING UP A TENT

Unlike your house, you tent can be faced in any direction. A scenic view is always a good choice. Facing the downhill side of any natural slope is another -if it should rain, water won't run in the door. If it's windy, face the tent door downwind to help keep dust or rain form blowing in as you enter and exit. Facing - or not facing - east, into the rising sun, is another option.

LEARN AT HOME, NOT IN THE WOODS

Familiarize yourself with your equipment before you leave home. Learn how everything works in advance and you'll be prepared for a smooth, fun trip.

LEAVE NO TRACE OUTDOOR ETHICS

The great outdoors is at once powerful and fragile. It is something beautiful, which we borrow from future generations. If all of us who use and enjoy the outdoors do our part to follow these Leave No Trace guidelines, we ensure that we hand it to our children as healthy as we found it.

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE

Know the area and what to expect.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Select appropriate equipment. Respect
the visitors' desire for solitude. Learn about
local habitat and what it takes to protect them.

DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

Bring out inorganic and organic waste, including food scraps.
Carry out litter left by others. Dispose of human waste
responsibly. Minimize soap and food scraps in waste water.

LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

Protect cultural resources, including archaeological artifacts.
Avoid damaging live trees and plants. Leave natural objects.

MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS

Fires are sometimes appropriate, but firewood selection,
gathering and use, as well as careful campfire site selection
and fire tending are critical on minimizing impact.

RESPECT WILDLIFE

Enjoy wildlife at a distance, never feed wildlife, store food
securely, minimizing noise, avoid sensitive habitat,
avoid disturbing wildlife.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS

Avoid conflicts, minimize crowding and respect the privacy
of other visitors. Let nature's sounds prevail.

Leave No Trace originated in the 1070s with the United
States Forest Service. LNT was developed to help
recreationists minimize their impacts while enjoying the outdoors.