Park wardens employed this finding at Badlands National Park as a firm lesson in park etiquette.
In the vast and breathtaking landscapes of America's national parks, backcountry camping offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. However, this experience comes with a responsibility to ensure safety for both humans and wildlife, as well as to protect the pristine environments of these parks.
First and foremost, it's essential to research and follow all local regulations and restrictions when planning a backcountry camping trip. This includes understanding where and when you can camp, fire usage rules, and protected or restricted areas. By adhering to these guidelines, you can avoid legal issues and prevent harm to sensitive environments [1][3].
Packing the right gear is another crucial step. Since backcountry sites have no amenities, it's important to bring all necessary items such as shelters (tent, tarp, sleeping bag), fire-starting tools, light sources, sufficient water or purification methods, and non-perishable food [1][3].
When selecting a campsite, choose durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or established campsites at least 200 feet from water to protect ecosystems and reduce erosion [1][5]. Practicing proper waste disposal is also key. Pack out all trash, including food wrappers and toilet paper. For human waste, dig catholes 6-8 inches deep far from water sources or use specialized waste bags [1][5].
Managing campfires safely is another important aspect. Use established fire rings if fires are allowed, never leave fires unattended, and ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving [1][5]. Respecting and minimizing impact on wildlife is equally important. Do not feed or approach animals, store all food and scented items in bear-proof containers or high hang bags, keep dogs leashed and away from wildlife, and avoid camping in areas with signs of bears or other dangerous wildlife [1][2][5].
In bear country, use noise and vigilance to avoid dangerous encounters. Make noise when hiking, avoid dawn and dusk when animals are most active, and turn back if you see fresh bear signs [2]. Finally, leave the campsite as you found it, avoiding the removal of plants, rocks, or historical artifacts, and respecting other visitors’ experience [1][5].
These practices reduce the need to abandon campsites due to wildlife disturbances or environmental hazards and promote safety for both humans and animals in backcountry national parks. Proper preparation and respect for rules and nature are crucial for a successful and responsible backcountry camping trip [1][3][5].
National Park Service (NPS) rangers, who work at all NPS locations with a focus on the safety of all living things within the park, can provide valuable assistance during emergencies. Carrying a first aid kit and learning basic survival skills is highly recommended for backcountry trips.
Recently, park rangers at Badlands National Park found an abandoned backcountry campsite within park limits, raising safety concerns for humans due to potential missing campers. Abandoning a campsite can negatively impact wildlife and create unnecessary work for park rangers who may have to worry about the fate of "missing" campers who leave abandoned campsites behind.
To prevent such situations, the most obvious thing to do is to clean up after oneself. Notifying park rangers of plans and expected return time is also a good idea for emergency assistance. In the case of the abandoned campsite in the Badlands, no potential owners of the debris were found.
Information about the abandoned campsite was shared on social media by park staff via National Parks Traveler. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible camping practices and the need to respect the natural beauty and wildlife of our national parks.
References:
[1] National Park Service. (2021). Backcountry Camping. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/backcountry/camping.htm
[2] National Park Service. (2021). Bear Safety. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm
[3] Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. (n.d.). Seven Principles. Retrieved from https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles
[5] National Park Service. (2021). Campfire Safety. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/campfiresafety/index.htm
- When embarking on a backcountry camping trip, it's essential to refer to travel guides that contain information about lifestyle, outdoor-living, and home-and-garden, as provided by resources such as the National Park Service and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
- To ensure a successful and responsible backcountry camping experience, individuals must follow the guidelines outlined in travel guides, which encompass packing the necessary gear, selecting durable campsites, managing campfires safely, and respecting wildlife, among other lifestyle, outdoor-living, home-and-garden, and travel suggestions.
