HIKING, RECREATION, AND FOREST ETIQUETTE
And other Tidbits of Helpful Information (Some actually helpful, some informative opinion)
In our modern society, with the ever-present dictums of proper behavior and political correctness, it would seem redundant to consider the need to outline proper etiquette while visiting our National Forests. It only takes visiting for a few hours to see that not everyone is considerate, or well-behaved, in these special places.
Most nature loving persons consider the tree shrouded vastness of the forests to be a haven from the demands of modern life. The mind drifts to the happy memories of shaded campsites by a picturesque lake, the outline of majestic peaks formed millennia ago, and the forest creatures scampering about a meadow in the early morning sunrise. Such thoughts prod the urban would-be outdoorsman to plan vacations to fulfill such winsome visions.
Such idealic experiences are still possible, yet the inconsiderate actions of a few can have far reaching consequences for all.
There is one thing I respect and admire about nature: It is brutally honest, not considerate of best intentions. It will display indescribable beauty in a morning sunrise, or a snow covered vista of the Grand Canyon. It will also drop a limb from a tree, stalk you with the tenacity of a mountain lion, or collapse like an ice weakened mountain ledge. It doesn't discriminate, it will not bargain, it simply will do what is necessary to exist. Respect it, or there are consequences- with no excuses given.
Nature is beautiful, wonderous and dangerous. It is unashamed in its glory, unapologetic in its fury. Nature is humbling; something greater than you exists. Where you fail in human frailty, nature has shown timeless endurance. It is a creation to be marveled, not to be worshipped.
Nature is not a theme-park experience. Forests are nature's reality; beautiful, dangerous, and demanding respect. They are not a well-manicured private park, populated by friendly cartoonish characters. The wild denizens of the forest live, eat and breed there; every hour and every day for the duration of their lives. You are the visitor in their home; it is their land and they know it.
. Forest etiquette is simply showing respect for the environment; for the "locals" (those who live in the area); for the wildlife; and for your temporary camping neighbors. Consider this: you spend all the time preparing and driving to a pristine location, only to find it soiled by the last campers. It's your choice: show respect for the forest or eventually have them closed. Large areas have become closed-off due to carelessness and abuse.
Respect can mean slowing-down while driving, thinking of the other forest visitor. If you don't like dust billowing into your campsite from speeding vehicles, why do it yourself? Driving fast on gravel or cinder roads reduces stopping distances, resulting in the loss of control of the vehicle. This is not a public service announcement; someday a first-responder may have to pry your broken and bloody body out of an overturned SUV or ATV.
Where you travel, there may be an abundance of cattle, sheep or wildlife. Generally speaking, livestock and wildlife (like elk and deer) have the right of way. Wildlife are protected by law. They can only be hunted during the assigned season. Any respectable hunter will respect the laws, and the safe methods for hunting game. To them it is the challenge of the hunt, the possibility of tasty venison for the winter. Poaching is deeply resented by the locals, and with all the legal hunters and game cameras in the forest, you will get caught. Fines can include loss of hunting privileges' for life. Elk and deer do have the right of way on roads, because who is going to argue with a large animal that can crash through your windshield? Slow down, be observant and enjoy wildlife from a distance.
Cattle graze across the landscape, restricted where necessary by fencing. Ranchers do pay for the rights to graze their animals on government land. Livestock have legal protection, as they are considered property and a source of income to ranchers. This dates back to the early days of grazing rights in the Arizona Territory. If you don't know how to interact with a cow, then leave them alone. Harassment of livestock by a person or your dog is punishable by law. A rancher has the right to shoot a harassing dog. It is a fact that if you harm a bovine you can be held liable for the value of the animal, and subsequent value to the fifth generation. In other words, you can be paying for the animal and all offspring for five generations. This gets exponentially costly. Not to mention that you will be dealing with a well-armed rancher that may not socialize well with others. Best advice; leave livestock and the wildlife alone, take your pictures, and be somewhere else.
A note on picture taking. Every year is replete with stories of visitors being killed while taking pictures: buffalo and elk gore the person during a Kodak-moment; walking off a cliff; or standing on an ice-weakened ledge. Again, they are wild animals, and nature is very unforgiving. Be aware of your surroundings, and keep a safe distance. If you cannot do this, then stay home and watch the plethora of nature shows on your favorite media source.
Whether you drive or hike, stay on the designated roads or trails. Every deer trail or open meadow doesn't need your tire tracks on it. An unprepared day hiker in shorts and sandals can get lost just twenty feet from the trail. Always be prepared with the basics (more later.) Getting lost should not be an option, yet if you don't plan ahead it can become a reality. The mountain terrain is steep and rocky. Be aware and alert if you intend to hike or climb the area. If you do wander off, and have to be rescued by highly trained professionals, you will receive an impressive bill for their efforts.
Camp in designated areas. Usually a good idea is to check with the Forestry Service as to which areas are open. Extended closures are now happening in the High Country, due to irresponsible persons not respecting the campgrounds. I have seen RVs driven into the middle of a dry grass meadow. Fire caused by a hot exhaust in tall grass is a frightening reality.
When preparing a campfire, follow Forest Service guidelines. Use a rock-lined fire ring in a cleared area. Make sure it is attended whenever burning, and it is dead-out before leaving the campsite. Use as much water as needed to put it out, turning with a shovel. It should be "completely out, without a doubt." Don't throw ashes around a tree; ashes can cause a tree to burn like a match.
Each summer, on average I find at least one campfire per week that is not completely out. After one Spring weekend, the Forest Service found over 30 smoldering camp fires. The forests are now seasonally closed, depending on weather conditions, and as a result of unattended smoldering campfires.
The National Forests do what is called a "Prescribed Burn," where the fuel for fires are burned in a controlled manner. High-columns of smoke with all the appearance of a coming apocalypse may be a Prescribed Burn. Lightning strikes can cause a raging inferno, consuming all before it. Burning forest fuels with any measure of control is preferable to the random acts of nature, or the careless action of a visitor. Thus was born the concept of a Prescribed Burn, with some degree of control and management, and yet consuming a portion of Arizona acreage.
Any forest fire is dangerous, unpredictable and violent. It is something you need to be aware of and avoid. A fire can be started naturally by lightning, or by careless behavior. Campfires that are left unattended or not properly extinguished are another cause of a conflagration. A general rule of survival while hiking or camping is to take note of the smell of smoke or the sound of fire. Look around and be aware. It may be your campsite, or the forest. If you hear the crackle and snap of burning timber, get out. Really be careful; flames can encircle you, trapping you in a dangerous situation.
After a vacation of frolicking through the forests, or dancing in the meadows, don't forget to take your garbage with you. Dispose of it in designated receptacles (dumpsters or trashcans.) Really, I have to say this because of the amount of debris left behind along the roads or scattered at camp grounds.
HIKING
One of the great joys of field research is the opportunity to hike through thousands of acres of National Forest. Following old grades through scenic wonders is a special experience. In order to be safe and enjoyable, hiking requires proper preparedness, planning and research.
If you are serious about hiking as an avocation there are numerous books prepared by more experienced authors who can provide valuable information. For your safety, it would be wise to avail yourself to the vast array of information contained in the abundant guidebooks.
In my simple perspective, there are three categories of hikers: casual; medium skill; and "wall-climbing, mountain conquering, five miles is a warm-up" type:
-The casual hiker: Can lack situational awareness. That's the kind of special sense that warns you to put down the cellphone before walking off a cliff. Usually walks short distances, like to the mailbox. Considers mall-walking a sport.
-The medium hiker: Not over confident, can walk a mile without leg cramps. Enjoys hiking as good exersize, in moderation. Has enough sense to stay on the trails, and carry water.
-The "Wall-climbing, mountain conquering, five miles is a warm-up" type: Over- confident, experienced, and prepared. They make a quiet neighbor, since they are always gone on some adventure. Also good to befriend, as they probably have enough survival food for a zombie apocalypse. This one gets into more extreme situations, requiring helicopters and such to rescue them.
Know your personal limitations, gain experience, and get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.
PREPAREDNESS
Preparation is key to enjoying and surviving nature. There are numerous books that you can avail yourself to; read the vast array of in-depth knowledge contained therein. This author can only add suggestions based upon practical experience:
- Wear appropriate clothing for the type of weather you will encounter. Good hiking shoes or boots are essential. A hat can keep the intense Arizona sun off your head, or the torrential rain that comes with unexpected suddenness.
-Always carry water, always. Keep an extra supply in the vehicle. Carry a water bottle with you at all times. It is surprising the amount of water you will consume in the dry Arizona weather. Again, always carry water. Sodas and coffee will dehydrate you, or give a false sense of being hydrated. Water, cool, clear and in a bottle- the best choice.
-Have a back pack, not just to look cool while stepping off the tour bus, but to carry necessities. Carry a good compass, and a set of printed maps. Know how to use them; they can help save you from getting lost. Carry snacks and extra water. Other items would include a small first aide kit, matches, TP and a signal mirror. Read those hiking books for additional items.
-Have the appropriate vehicle for the driving conditions. A high clearance, 4X4 vehicle is suggested. Carry extra supplies in the vehicle; an unexpected emergency can happen at any time (guess that's why it's called unexpected.) Being overprepared is better than becoming a historical artifact. The author carries the following items: Two spare tires; two sets of maps for the entire region; a shovel; a three day supply of food and water; a full set of clothing; battery- powered tire pump; a blanket; a prepared back pack; a knife; extra motor oil, tools, and whatever else may be needed for the next adventure.
-Physical conditioning. Arizona natural conditions can vary from hot, dry deserts to 13,000 foot mountain peaks. Never over-exert yourself . Sun stroke or altitude sickness can set in with remarkable suddenness, and are life-threatening. Symptoms can include tiredness, thirst, cramps, headaches and other warning signs. Again, never over exert yourself. Any symptoms need to be taken seriously. Seek proper medical help when needed. Be informed beforehand, and don't be afraid to take a break in the shade.
PLANNING AND RESEARCH
Planning and research can lead to a rewarding journey to the forest:
- Having a set of maps that you can read and write on. The internet can be a valuable resource for information, specifically satellite images. If you are planning on field research, on average it can take two hours of scanning maps for every hour spent on the ground.in the study area.
-Check on the weather conditions before traveling. Internet weather resources will help you decide the best day and time to travel. During the monsoon season In Arizona weather can change within hours from sunny to torrential downpours. The peaks in the high country, and the ever changing weather patterns can create a significant storm with little notice. If thunderstorms or snow are forecast, then it's best to travel another day. Road conditions can become hazardous, and lightening strikes are a real threat.
Flash floods in watersheds are something to avoid. Stay out of narrow canyons and avoid isolated areas. If in doubt, stay out of the forest when conditions change for the worse. Every year people are killed hiking in a dry creek bed or canyon, when a sudden flashflood engulfs them. I have seen dry creek beds where the flood line was three feet above the floor.
-Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas or is fully charged, and has no mechanical issues. It is best to travel in groups, whether multiple vehicles or several persons on a hike. There is safety in numbers, if you trust one another. Hiking alone can mean dying alone, and becoming food for the wildlife.
WILDLIFE
Now, a moment to discuss the local wildlife. They are wild animals, not just cute squirrels scampering about, or the bambi-like deer bounding through an open meadow. Wildlife are to be respected, viewed from a distance, and not to be directly interacted with. All animals have the potential to cause serious or fatal injuries. This can include being mauled, or contracting a fatal disease.
Squirrels, prairie dogs and chipmunks may be cute and inquisitive. If bothered, they can bite and scratch. They also carry diseases like Bubonic Plaque, Hanta Virus and Rabie's. That itchy feeling you may have after interacting with a critter is probably from infected flees transmitting disease. It can take several days before the first symptoms occur, then your lungs fill with fluid and the fever destroys your immune system. You have a 50/50 chance of surviving Hanta Virus. Death does occur to people not being careful. Leave the animals alone, and avoid their nesting areas.
Imagine a beast that is the size of a medium dog, has razor sharp claws, and a disposition four times meaner than your cat on a bad day; this is the Bobcat. For size and temperament, they are able to inflict serious injuries just because they are having a bad day. Bobcats don't seem to have good days. If you hear one, find somewhere else to be. Admire from a distance, but stay out of their way.
Mountain lions are generally inquisitive and reclusive. If you see one nearby, it's only because they let you. Be careful in high grass and around rock ledges. If one is seen, make sure it is not following you. Curiosity can change to stalking behavior, so best be aware and carefully leave that area. Don't run. I once saw a tree where the bark on one side was scratched-off from eight feet off the ground. That was one of those times I decided to be somewhere else. I carry a whistle around my neck to make noise, hopefully scaring off inquisitive felines. It's also would be helpful to carry a tune while being mauled- hopefully that won't happen.
Bears, particularly in the spring, like to feed on anything such as berries, squirrels, or an occasional hiker. Never get between a sow and her cubs. Carry bear spray, it may help if one gets too close. If the bear doesn't leave the area, you should. Don't run. They can outrun you. I once heard the following story; whether it is true or not, you decide:
There was once an old Forest Ranger, conducting one of those informative discussions at the local campground:
"One thing I want to warn you about are the local bears. There are black bears and grizzlies in these parts. Its always best to let the bear know you're in the area. Make noise and wear little bells on your shoes. Carry bear spray, and hike in groups."
The campers were mesmerized by the sage wisdom of the Ranger. One camper raised their hand to ask a question: "Sir, how do you know if a black bear or a grizzly is in the area?"
The Ranger paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath of fresh mountain air. He then began his reply:
"All bears leave behind scat, which is bear poop..."
The crowd interrupted with a murmuring "Eeeew!"
"Now black bears have nuts and berries in their scat,"
The Ranger continued," Grizzlies have little bells in it...."
Now about the creepy-crawlies; snakes and bugs. These denizens of the brush are well-camouflaged, able to move quickly and can be venomous- that means poisonous. In the warmer months, find a nice walking stick. Use it to probe grassy or rocky areas before each step. There is one small critter, the bark scorpion, that is particularly dangerous. It is very small, looking like a piece of bark- hence the name. Its sting can cause mild to life-threatening symptoms. Rattle snake venom is more dangerous. Part of your preparedness should be knowing what to do in case of a bite from a venomous creature. If bitten, seek immediate medical help.
Hiking is an integral part of why I am in the woods; it is one of the more enjoyable aspects of historical research. You also can enjoy nature - if you are ready for the experience. If you are willing to make the effort, then someday I will see you out there. Otherwise, stay home, relax and enjoy watching us on a nature show. Or read a Blog.
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