HIKING AND CAMPING

Ontario is truly blessed with lakes, trails, wilderness and open spaces. Unfortunately, these environments are especially susceptible to harm from activities associated with camping and hiking.

If we are not careful, our actions can disrupt ecosystems and threaten the health and well-being of other campers and hikers. For example, if we do not properly manage human waste, it can enter nearby waters, contaminate the watershed and make others ill.

We also have to take extreme caution when it comes to putting out the fires we set. Wildfires pose a significant threat to air quality, as well as to our water and land resources.

Keep the Great Outdoors Great

Fortunately, there are many simple things we can do to make sure our camping trips and hiking excursions leave the faintest footprint possible on the environment.

With a little good planning and common sense, we can leave the great outdoors as clean - or even cleaner - than we found it. That's the legacy we all want to leave to our children and future generations.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Waste disposal is one of the key challenges in reducing the environmental consequences of camping and hiking.

Here are some good tips:

• Inspect your campsite and rest areas for garbage or spilled foods. Pack all trash, leftover food and litter.


• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.


• Pack toilet paper and hygiene products.


• To bathe or wash dishes, carry water 200 feet away from bodies of water and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Preventing Forest Fires

Campfires emit toxic pollutants into the air. The problem is greatly magnified when the fire spreads.

Here are a few ways to minimize the environmental effects of the fires you set when camping and hiking:

• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires.
• Keep fires small - use only sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
• Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light - campfires leave lasting effects on back country.
• Dry wood burns cleaner.

Choosing Campsites and Trails

Durable surfaces are best. Keep to established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. And, whenever possible, camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams to protect riparian areas.

In popular areas:

• Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites - don't create new ones.
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even if it's wet or muddy.
• Keep campsites small and concentrate your activities where there is vegetation.

In pristine areas:

• Don't make new campsites and trails.
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

For more information, here are some useful links:

Hike Ontario is a strong advocate of walking, hiking and trail development in Canada:
www.hikeontario.com

The Grand Valley Trails Association maintains an excellent page of links at:
www.gvta.on.ca/links.html#anchor110374

Hike Ontario is a strong advocate of walking, hiking and trail development in Canada:
www.hikeontario.com