Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

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Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

• Frontcountry Program

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What is Frontcountry?

• Frontcountry is defined as outdoor areas that are
  easily accessible by vehicle and mostly visited
  by day users.

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Why do we need a Leave No Trace Frontcountry
Program?

• Vast majority (over 85) of recreation in the
  U.S. occurs near urban centers day hiking,
  biking, bird watching, dog walking, jogging,
  bouldering, picnicing, overnight camping in
  developed camping areas, water sports, fishing,
  etc.
• Need an effective way to reach this large
  population with the Leave No Trace message

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Why do we need a Leave No Trace Frontcountry
Program?

• There are specific recreational impacts that are
  unique to frontcountry areas that need to be
  effectively targeted user/social conflict, pet
  management issues, graffiti and vandalism, pet
  waste, private property trespass, off-trail
  hiking, etc.
• Land managers and others need the ability to
  locally-tailor specific Leave No Trace messages
  to more effectively reach frontcountry audiences

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Impacts and issues found in Frontcountry areas
Severely eroded areas/trails
Dealing with multi-use
Compacted Soil
Pet Waste
Trashed firerings in developed areas
Trash (motor oil) left at day-use areas
Illegally constructed mountain bike
trails/structures
Wildlife impacts in day-use areas
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Impacts and issues found in Frontcountry areas
Severely eroded areas/trails
Dealing with multi-use
Trashed firerings in developed areas
Trash (motor oil) left at day-use areas
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National Participant Growth Projections (millions)
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Approved Frontcountry Leave No Trace language

• Plan Ahead Prepare
• Travel Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Know Before You Go
• Stick to Trails
• Trash Your Trash, Pick Up Poop (dog waste)
• Leave It As You Find It
• Be Careful With Fire
• Keep Wildlife Wild
• Share Our Trails, Yield to Others

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Examples of modified language and graphics
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Stick to Trails

• Traveling on trail leaves room for wildlife and
  their homes. Short cutting trails cause erosion.
  Be ready to get muddy and step right through
  puddles. Boots dry overnight plants take years
  to recover.

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Protect Our Waters

• Riparian areas are vital to the health and
  diversity of animal and plant life in the Basin.
  These areas are often the sole habitat for many
  plants and animals species that need wet
  conditions.

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Manage Your Dog

• Keeping your dog in control keeps people, dogs,
  livestock and wildlife safe. Others may not
  appreciate your dogs company, therefore ask
  before allowing your dog to approach them. Keep
  your dog nearby and under control. Carry and use
  a leash as required.

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Respect Private Property

• Respect no trespassing signs. If property
  boundaries are unclear, do not disturb the area.
  Treat anothers property as you would treat you
  own.

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Pick Up Poop

• Phew! Dog poop stinks, is not natural to Open
  Space and others can step in it. Pack a pick-up
  bag and always pick-up your dogs poop--wherever
  its left.

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Climb Smart

• Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area is a world
  famous rock climbing destination that offers
  something for every climber. To preserve this
  precious and sensitive resource, please climb
  responsibly.

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Keep Wildlife Wild

• Natural areas are home to wildlife. As a visitor,
  you should respect wildlife by observing them
  from a distance and not feeding them.

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Trash Your Trash

• Please take out all trash, yours and others.
  Even biodegradable materials such as orange
  peels, apple cores and food scraps can take years
  to break down, and attract scavengers that harm
  other wildlife.

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Leave It as You Find It

• Picking flowers, collecting rocks or taking
  arrowheads may not seem to be a big deal, but it
  means others wont have a chance to enjoy them.
  With millions of people visiting Open Space, the
  less impact we each make, the longer we will
  enjoy what we have.

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Share Our Trails

• We all enjoy Open Space in different ways. Pay
  attention, expect to encounter others and be
  courteous. Yield to all.