Responsible Recreation Resources

After being cooped up inside we’re all eager to get out and travel again and the wide-open spaces of Cedar City are calling! With an increase of visitors all hoping to take in the stunning scenery and feeling of connection that comes with outdoor recreation, there is an increased responsibility to care for the spaces around us. By focusing on the principles of responsible outdoor recreation these areas can remain a relaxing and therapeutic retreat for all visitors for years and years to come.

 

From the National Parks to the National Forests, Public Lands, and Conservation/Recreation areas in between, here are some of the principles of #RecreateResponsibly that we should all aim to remember.

 

 

 

 

 

LEAVE NO TRACE

 

Where to find more information:

Twitter: @leavenotrace
Website: Int.org

 

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace Are:

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
   – Adequate trip planning and preparation helps backcountry travelers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably while simultaneously minimizing damage to the land.
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
   – Travel on constructed trails that help to contain the impact to specified areas.
   – “While trails are themselves an impact on the land; it is better to have one well-designed route than many poorly chosen paths.”
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
   – “Pack it in, Pack it out” is a pretty familiar mantra and should be used when recreating.
   – Before leaving inspect your site and rest areas for trash or spilled foods and pack it out.
4. Leave What you Find
   – Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects of interest as you find them.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
   – Before building a fire it is important to consider the potential damage to the backcountry.
   * What is the fire danger for this time of year and location?
   * Is there sufficient wood so its removal will not be noticed
   * Is there an existing fire ring that we should be using?
   * Do group members possess the skills and knowledge and build and properly extinguish a campfire that will Leave No Trace?
6. Respect Wildlife
   – Learn about wildlife through quiet observation.
   – Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look”.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
   – Maintain courtesy toward other visitors by minimizing:
   *Excessive noise
   * Uncontrolled pets
   * Damage to surroundings

 

 

 

 

TREAD LIGHTLY | ON LAND AND WATER

 

 

Tread Lightly is an organization that works to promote responsible recreation through stewardship, education, and communication primarily when it comes to OHV and off-road vehicle use. While they cover Responsible Recreation in activities from 4×4’ing to fishing, flying drones, hunting, and more, their information on OHV recreation is incredible.

 

Where to find more information:

Twitter: @tread_lightly
Facebook: @TLoutdoorethics
Website: treadlightly.org

SOME OF THEIR QUICK TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE FOUR WHEELING ARE:

• Travel Responsibly on designated roads, trails or areas

• Travel ONLY IN AREAS OPEN to four-wheel-drive vehicles
  
• For your safety, travel straight up or down hills
  
• Drive over (not around) obstacles to avoid widening the trail
  
• Cross streams only at designated fording points, where the road crosses the stream.
• When possible, avoid mud.
  • In soft terrain, go easy on the gas to avoid wheel spin, which can cause rutting.

• Comply with all signs and respect barriers
  
• Travel with a group of two or more vehicles
  • Just like with hiking, the buddy system is important in case of emergency

 

SOME OF THEIR QUICK TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHING INCLUDE:

 

• Traveling Responsibly
  • Travel responsibly on land by staying on designated rods, trails, or areas.
  • On the water, stay on designated waterways and launch in designated areas
• Respect the Rights of Others
  • Respect the rights of others on land including private property owners, recreational trail users, campers, and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
  • On the water, respect anglers, swimmers, skiers, boaters, divers, and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
• Educate Yourself
  • Educate yourself prior to your trip by learning rules and regulations, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to operate your equipment safely.
• Avoid Sensitive Areas
  • Avoid sensitive areas on land such as meadows, lakeshores, wetlands, and streams.
• Do Your Part
  • Do your part by modeling appropriate behavior, leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of fuel, oil, and waste.
  • Avoid aiding the spread of invasive species and restoring degraded areas.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the Best Ways to Recreate Responsibly is by Staying Informed

 

Staying informed of closures, fire restrictions, recreation resources, and other information about your destination is a great start for responsible recreation. Our favorite way to stay up to date with the organizations that manage this information? Social media! By giving them a follow on Twitter or Facebook it’s easy to stay up to date with what information you might need.

We’ve included links for a couple of our favorite organizations for finding responsible recreation information below ↓