Leave No TraceLeave No Trace Outdoor Skills & EthicsOutdoor Skills & Ethics

Frontcountry ProgramFrontcountry Program

Presentation ObjectivesPresentation Objectives

Provide an overview of the Leave No Trace Frontcountry program.

Illustrate differences with the backcountry/wilderness program via language and messages useful for frontcountry settings

Impacts and issues in Impacts and issues in Frontcountry areasFrontcountry areas

Pet WastePet Waste Compacted SoilCompacted Soil

Wildlife impacts in day-use areasWildlife impacts in day-use areasIllegally constructed mountain Illegally constructed mountain bike trails/structuresbike trails/structures

Boulder, CO park – Dog waste sites

Severely eroded areas/trailsSeverely eroded areas/trails Dealing with multi-useDealing with multi-use

Trash (motor oil) left at Trash (motor oil) left at day-use areasday-use areas

Trashed firerings in Trashed firerings in developed areasdeveloped areas

Impacts and issues in Impacts and issues in Frontcountry areasFrontcountry areas

What is Backcountry?What is Backcountry?

Backcountry is defined as outdoor areas that are generally not accessible by vehicle and mostly visited by overnight users.

What is Frontcountry?What is Frontcountry?

Frontcountry is defined as outdoor areas that are easily accessible by vehicle and mostly visited by day users.

Why do we need a Frontcountry Why do we need a Frontcountry Program?Program?

The vast majority (over 85%) of recreation occurs near urban centers – day hiking, biking, bird watching, dog walking, jogging, bouldering, picnicking, overnight camping in developed camping areas, water sports, fishing, etc.

We need an effective educational program to reach this large population with the Leave No Trace message

Why do we need a Frontcountry Why do we need a Frontcountry Program?Program?

There are specific recreation impacts unique to frontcountry areas that need to be effectively targeted – user crowding and conflict, pet management issues, graffiti and vandalism, pet waste, private property trespass, off-trail hiking, etc.

Although the seven principles are universal, there are instances where the use of modified language may be necessary to effectively reach frontcountry recreationists

Approved Frontcountry Approved Frontcountry Leave No TraceLeave No Trace language language

Plan Ahead & Prepare

Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

Dispose of Waste Properly

Leave What You Find

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Respect Wildlife

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Know Before You Go

Stick to Trails

Trash Your Trash, Pick Up Poop (dog waste)

Leave It As You Find It

Be Careful With Fire

Keep Wildlife Wild

Share Our Trails, Yield to Others

Examples of modified language and Examples of modified language and graphicsgraphics

Stick to TrailsStick to Trails

Traveling on trail leaves room for wildlife and their homes. Short cutting trails causes erosion. Be ready to get muddy and step right through puddles. Boots dry overnight; plants take years to recover.

Protect Our WatersProtect Our Waters

Riparian areas are vital to the health and diversity of animal and plant life in the Basin. These areas are often the sole habitat for many plants and animals species that need wet conditions.

Manage Your DogManage Your Dog

Keeping your dog in control keeps people, dogs, livestock and wildlife safe. Others may not appreciate your dogs company, therefore ask before allowing your dog to approach them. Keep your dog nearby and under control. Carry and use a leash as required.

When dogs run off-leash…When dogs run off-leash…

Respect Private PropertyRespect Private Property

Respect “no trespassing” signs. If property boundaries are unclear, do not disturb the area. Treat another’s property as you would treat you own.

Pick Up PoopPick Up Poop

Phew! Dog poop stinks, is not natural to Open Space and others can step in it. Pack a pick-up bag and always pick-up your dog’s poop--wherever its left.

Keep Wildlife WildKeep Wildlife Wild

Natural areas are home to wildlife. As a visitor, you should respect wildlife by observing them from a distance and not feeding them.

Trash Your Trash Trash Your Trash

Please take out all trash, yours and others. Even “biodegradable” materials such as orange peels, apple cores and food scraps can take years to break down, and attract scavengers that harm other wildlife.

Leave It as You Find ItLeave It as You Find It

Picking flowers, collecting rocks or taking arrowheads may not seem to be a big deal, but it means others won’t have a chance to enjoy them. With millions of people visiting Open Space, the less impact we each make, the longer we will enjoy what we have.

Share Our TrailsShare Our Trails

We all enjoy Open Space in different ways. Pay attention, expect to encounter others and be courteous. Yield to all.

This slide set was developed for the national Leave No Trace program. Copies may be obtained from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Shorter versions can be developed by omitting slides or local images may be substituted to adapt the program to specific areas.

Developed by Ben Lawhon and Jeff Marion (ben@lnt.org, jmarion@vt.edu)