Recreate Responsibly

Here are some tips from our FIND Forest friends on how you can get outside and #recreateresponsibly.

Sharing is hard. And when we consider that National forests and grasslands received 168 million visits in 2020 – an increase of 18 million when compared to 2019, the need for some set of easy to follow “rules” for how we can all enjoy our public lands becomes very important. Not only are there a lot of people excited to visit their public lands, we all enjoy these shared lands in different ways. Some of us like to go fast on a mountain bike, some of us like to enjoy the forest atop a horse, and some of us even like to walk from Maine to Georgia along trail systems like the Appalachian Trail! 

Next time you’re on the trail, remember that the forest is THEIR home and they’re doing us a favor by sharing it with US. Treat our public lands with respect, and stay safe out there!

Reach out to the FIND Outdoors Education team about scheduling a Leave No Trace focused program for your group.

cartoon owl
Plan ahead.

Be wise like Olive the Owl, and learn the regulations for recreation in the area you are visiting.

1. Know the area you’re visiting
2. Always have a map and compass
3. Keep an eye on the weather
4. Take plenty of food and water

Stick to the trails.

Keep your tail on the trail to protect native vegetation and decrease erosion.

It might seem easier to take a shortcut, but by doing that you increase the damage done to the trail. Keep with the blaze!

cartoon snake
cartoon raccoon throwing away trash
Dispose of waste properly.

Be sure to pick up after yourself and your pets. It takes all of us working to keep our public lands healthy!

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.

Minimize Campfire Impact

The best place to build a fire is within an existing fire ring in a well-placed campsite. Keep the fire small and burning only for the time you are using it. Allow wood to burn completely to ash. Put out fires with water.

Respect the wildlife.

Observe wildlife from a distance only. Remember – this is THEIR home!

1. Wildlife will leave you alone if you
     leave them alone
2. Keep your distance at all times
3. Take only pictures! 

cartoon sleeping bear
cartoon beaver waving to a rabbit
Be considerate of others.

Respect other folks you meet and help them have an awesome experience as well. Public lands are for everyone! Please keep pets leashed, and allow others to pass by on the trail so everyone is safe and happy.