Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Pay special attention to local regulations so that you are aware of restrictions regarding campfires, recreation activities, and even pets. Above all else, leave our precious recreation spots better than you found it by disposing all waste properly, minimizing campfire impacts, and being considerate of others. View the resources below to explore other ways you and your family can be safe and ethical while enjoying the outdoors!
Leave No Trace
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.
Know Before You Go
Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Many people never encounter a bear. But if you do, here's some simple advice:
- DO NOT RUN.
- Remain calm.
- Group together and pick up small children.
- Continue to face the bear and back away slowly, talking calmly to identify yourself as a human.
- Carry and know how to use bear spray, which is available at many outdoor retailers and can be used to deter a charging bear.
Camping in Bear Country
- Keep a clean campsite. Store food and garbage out of sight and in closed vehicles.
- Never put food scraps or litter in the campfire; it attracts bears and skunks.
- Don't keep food, medicine, chapstick, shampoo - anything that smells - in tents or sleeping areas.
- Store stoves, barbeques, and dutch ovens in a vehicle or secure place when not using. Do not pour used cooking oil or food remnants on the ground.
- When camping in the back country, hang food and garbage from a tree limb, at least 10 feet from the ground and 5 feet from the tree trunk. This tree should be at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.
- Some bears also target motor oil, insect repellant, toothpaste, liquor and other things that look and smell like food. Make sure you put these items away.
- If you see a bear keep your distance. Enjoy watching it from a distance and report any problems or concerns to the local district office.
Hiking in Bear Country
- Do not feed bears or other wildlife.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
- Read all signs located at the trailheads.
- Stay alert, do not wear headphones and cautiously approach any blind corners in the trail.
- Carry bear spray such that it is easily accessible. Know how to use it.
- Hike as a group, keep children with you and dogs leashed.
- For extended trips, keep food and other attractants in personal use size bear resistant containers.
- If you see a bear, maintain a safe distance and alter your route to avoid the bear. Never block a bear’s travel route.
- If you see a cub alone, don't approach. Momma bear could be nearby.
- Respect living trees. By carving or chopping into the trunks of trees, people unknowingly damage the tree by slitting veins right below the bark. These veins transport nutrients and water throughout the tree. If the damage becomes severe, it will deprive the tree of nutrients and food, and the tree slowly starves to death. Preserve and protect your National Forests by leaving natural areas the way you find them.
- Enter buildings, structures, or enclosed areas in National Forests only when it is explicitly expressed that they are open to the public.
- Archaeological, historic and sacred sites hold clues to America’s past. If disturbed, a part of our heritage may be lost forever. So please, do not damage or remove any such historic or archeological resource.
- Disturbing such sites on federal lands is illegal and can result in substantial penalties.
- Help us protect these sites and contact your nearest district ranger to report illegal activity.
Enjoy the outdoors. Your national forests and grasslands provide a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. Some sites require a modest recreation fee to help provide the services and facilities at the site. The weather can change suddenly and dramatically. Be prepared by monitoring weather conditions before you set out for the day.
Respect wildlife. We share the outdoors with a variety of animals who make the forest their home. Remember, these are not pets. Keep a safe distance from them and be careful not to disturb their habitat. For deeper understanding for each area regarding recreating, the outdoor elements and wildlife go to "Know Before You Go" site page.
Hiking and Trail Etiquette
Hiking is one of the best ways to spend time in the great outdoors. The Fishlake National Forest encompasses 1.8 million acres, creating ample opportunities to get out and take a hike. Whether you’re hiking alone or in a group, be sure to follow the written and unwritten rules of the trail. Proper hiking etiquette helps instill respect for other trail users, and it promotes stewardship of the land.
Here are some key points of hiking etiquette
Know your right of way
- Check signage for the trail you are hiking and follow the correct right of way yields
- Hikers coming uphill have the right of way - If you’re descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
Bicyclists yield to hikers and horses or other pack stock - Come to a full stop and step to the side to give the right of way. Be mindful of the plants or animals that are near the trail if you must step off the trail. Bicyclists should always ride within their abilities. Before your visit, check individual district regulations to see if biking is allowed.
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- Hikers yield to horses and other pack stock - Slowly and calmly step off to the downhill side of a trail. If you approach from behind, calmly announce your presence and intentions. Horses and other pack stock can frighten easily, so avoid sudden movements or loud noises. Make yourself known - When you encounter other hikers and trail users, offer a friendly “hello” or a simple head nod. This helps create a friendly atmosphere on the trail. If you approach another trail user from behind, announce yourself in a friendly tone and let them know you would like to pass.
- Stay on the trail - Don’t step off trail unless you absolutely must when yielding. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plant or animal species and can hurt the ecosystems that surround the trail. Always practice Leave No Trace principles: Leave rocks, vegetation, and artifacts where you find them for others to enjoy.
- Do not disturb wildlife - They need their space, and you need yours, too. Keep your distance from the wildlife you encounter.
- Be mindful of trail conditions - If a trail is too wet and muddy, turn back and save the hike for another day. Using a muddy trail can be dangerous, damage the trail’s condition, and damage the ecosystems that surround the trail.
- Take time to listen - When hiking in the great outdoors, let nature do all the talking. Be respectful of both nature and the other users and keep the noise from electronic devices at bay. Not only will other visitors appreciate the peace and quiet, but so will the wildlife. Many wildlife species rely on natural sounds for communication purposes, and disrupting those sounds can hurt their chances of survival.
- Be aware of your surroundings - Always be aware of your surroundings when hiking in our national forest. It will help keep you and any members of your group safe, and it will help keep wildlife and their habitats safe and healthy. Know the rules for hiking in bear country and know what to do if you encounter a bear on the trail.
A comprehensive guide to Outdoor Safety and Ethics can be found below ↓