Campfire Results

You've had some time to consider how the picture from Thursday's blog could have had less impact on the environment.  Here is a list of what we came up with:

1.  Wood collected for burning (in areas where the regulations allow) should have the characteristics of the 4 D's-dead, down, dinky (smaller than your wrist, shorter than your forearm), and distant.

2.  Established fire rings should always be used when available.

3.  Burn wood to white ash.  In front country areas, leave ash in the established fire ring.  In back country settings grind small coals to ash between gloved hands, thoroughly soak with water, and scatter remains over a large area away from camp.  (Note: In river corridors ashes may have to be packed out)

Here is a second look at the picture that we took this summer along the Diamond Fork River in Utah: 

Thanks to Bear Leader and Russell Fruits for taking a second to comment on the impacts they saw in the picture.  The school year is right around the corner, but fall weekends provide an amazing venue with crisp, cool nights that are perfect for gathering 'round the campfire.  Enjoy these times and remember to Minimize Campfire Impacts as you do so!

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy

Campfire Challenge!

There is still plenty of time in summer '09 to get outdoors and enjoy a camping trip with family or friends.  In considering the Leave No Trace principle Minimize Campfire Impacts, this photo represents a less than leave no trace campsite.  Can you identify what could have been done differently to minimize the campfire impacts on this site?

Post your ideas in our comments or email us at kateandtracy@lnt.org and check back on Monday for the results!

Happy Camping...Kate and Tracy

Picture of the week 8/14/09

Campers at Wetlands Week in State College, PA were excited to learn about Leave No Trace and to receive their Subaru/Leave No Trace tote bags!

Global Youth Leadership Institute

It's been an exciting start to our east coast tour!  We just had the pleasure of working with 21 campers and 9 staff members at the Global Youth Leadership Institute in Stonington, CT.  These campers congregated from all over the country to participate in fun interactive activities to explore ideas of environmental sustainability and collaborative leadership.  The students were inquisitive and eager to learn about Leave No Trace.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time with these future leaders!  Thanks for having us.

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy

National Order of the Arrow Conference-NOAC

The National Order of the Arrow Conference is a six day celebration where Arrowmen from around the world come together to share their ideas on lodge leadership, activities, and ceremonies as well as participate in a large variety of competitions.  The conference is held every couple of years.  This year it was at the University of Indiana. It always promises to be a week filled with fun and learning.  

Our booth was set up in the Experience tent.  We spoke with over 3,ooo Arrowmen about ways they can Leave No Trace on their outings.  We were also able to sign up nearly 1,500 scouts for the Bigfoot Challenge! 

During our visit, we were invited to be guest presenters at a trainer course that was taking place during the conference to speak about the Traveling Trainer program and also resources that are available on the Leave No Trace website.  Congratulations to the newest Trainers! 

The Boy Scouts of America have been hard at work revamping their handbook to include a section on Leave No Trace training.  Cheers to all their efforts and all of their hard work in putting together such an outstanding conference.  Here is a slideshow that captures only a few of the numerous activities that took place. Enjoy!

Safe Travels...Kate and Tracy

Picture of the week 7/31/09

Even kids can take the Bigfoot Challenge!  

Fun at Camp Perkins

We spent the last couple of days working in the gorgeous Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho.  We were very happy to meet up with Idaho State Advocate, Paul Holle at Camp Perkins near Stanley, Idaho.  Camp Perkins is a Lutheran Church Camp, which offers week-long summer programs to youth from ID, WY, UT, MT, and WA.  We had a great time meeting the campers and staff at Camp Perkins.  Thanks for having us, and hope to see you all again soon!