ASA4WDC -
Safety/Education Committee
Trail Etiquette
Developing a personal code of conduct is something which will add
to your satisfaction of using the back country. You will come to
know that you are an expert in protecting our precious heritage.
By your example, you can teach others a proper code of ethics.
A code of conduct does not mean you cannot have a good time, it
means that you are mature enough not to need the police and laws
make you be respectful and thoughtful. Some of the elements of a
code of ethics are presented below. They are taken from a
booklet called "4-Wheeling" published by the Rocky Mountain Region
of the Forest Service:
- Leave the land and its vegetation as you find it.
Limiting travel to established roads will minimize damage to
soil and plant life. Do not cut switchbacks or drive
through meadows or across alpine tundra.
- Preserve America's heritage by not disturbing old mining
camps, ghost towns, or other historical features.
- Leave rocks, flowers, wood, antlers and artifacts in their
natural state for others to see and enjoy.
- Respect the rights and property of others. Miners, outdoor
recreation enthusiasts, ranchers, fisherman, hunters and
others rely on the back country for enjoyment and
livelihood.
- Get permission before you cross onto private land. Leave
gates as you find them.
- Take out what you brought in. Encourage others to keep a
clean camp by doing more than your share to rid the back
country of litter.
- Safety and courtesy are contagious. Spread them around.
- Your dog does not know not to annoy or disturb wild
animals or people. Leave it at home with a friend or in a
kennel. If you must take your dog--keep it on a leash.
- Listen to the silence. You live with enough noise at
home. Many people travel to the wilds to get away from
noise pollution--allow them to enjoy it.
- Brush up on the history, geology and ecology of the area.
Knowing about it makes the trip more meaningful. There are
a number of good books available at your local bookstore.
- Camp in an existing site whenever possible. Set your camp
away from stream banks and lake shores.
- Cook your meals on a cookstove. Most modern stoves are
lightweight and easy to use. Save campfires as a luxury for
special evening functions and events. Use a fire circle
already built; if you have to build a new one, keep it
small. A huge bonfire wastes wood, is dangerous, and is
hard to put out. When you leave the camp site, drown the
campfire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and
sticks are wet. Move rocks, there may be burning embers
underneath.
- Stir, add more water and stir again. Next, feel all sticks
and charred material to make sure nothing is burning. It is
your responsibility to make sure the public lands are used
safely and properly. In doing so you are not only
protecting your privilege to enjoy the land, but preserving
a valuable natural resource as well.
- Do not expect to find a toilet handy. Carry a light
digging tool (your recommended small shovel) for proper
disposal of human waste. Keep disposal sites at least 100
feet from streams and lakes.
- Proper use of a winch can help reduce adverse
environmental impact on vegetation and the land. Generally
a winch should be used for emergency situations, to overcome
temporary natural barriers such as fallen trees, landslides,
and damaged stream crossings.
- When bathing or washing utensils, use biodegradable soaps
and dispose of waste water away from lakes and streams.
