Having a fire while camping can be something that everyone enjoys. However with ecotourism increasing daily we all want to make sure that we minimize our environmental footprints so that the next person can enjoy a pristine setting. When traveling in less remote areas be sure to follow the strict rules and use a fire ring if possible.
Wilderness Areas
If you are hiking and camping in a wilderness area make sure you bring a jet boil or some other cook stove. Many of these areas do not allow fires and have very strict guidelines on what you can and cannot due. Be sure to check at your park office before venturing into the woods.
National Park
Many National parks have set up camp grounds with fire rings but if you want to travel deeper into the park then you will need to get a backcountry camping permit. These are available at the park office. Some parks have different rules depending on the state and locality in which they reside.
National Forest
Our national forests maintain rules just like the national parks do and have a fire season in which it is prohibited to burn. If it is dry and the leaf and ground litter is dry I suggest not risking having a fire unless it is a dire situation.
Selecting a Low Impact Site
Always choose a site that will be able to bear the environmental impact of a fire. For instance you don't want to have a fire right next to a trail or road because these areas have already been impacted greatly from human pressure. It may seem weird to think about our effects on nature and many think that it would not change by following LNT ethics. This might be true for a couple of travelers but along the roads and trails hundreds if not thousands of people might be using them and this can really add up. Areas devoid of brush and cover are great if it is not windy! Be sure to monitor the wind and the level of humidity in the air. The dryer the air the higher the chances of having a fire get out of control. Go a good distance off the trail and find a nice clearing that you can dig a small pit. If you are traveling in a highly traveled area you may have to pack in wood. If this is not the case just be aware of the amount you are consuming and don't collect it all from one place. This will spread out your impact and allow wood for future travelers. Always mix up the soil and ashes when you are done so that mother nature can reclaim the sterile soil.
Fires Along The River
Rivers and streams are great places to construct fires. You can start by collecting river rocks and building a ring. Then collect drift wood and light her up. The only thing you need to do is cast the charred rocks back into the river, and scatter the ashes so that there is no trace of a fire.
If you want to learn more about constructing a LNT fire you can visit their website at www.lnt.org
No comments:
Post a Comment