Minimize Campfire Impacts
Should you ever leave a fire unattended?
No.
How far away should you be from water sources, trails, and campsites when you use the restroom?
200 feet away.
True or False: cleaning your hiking gear, paddling gear, fishing gear, and clothing between trips in different locations minimizes the spread of invasive species?
True. Washing and cleaning gear removes any microscopic organisms and seeds that might have attached themselves to your gear. By cleaning gear on-site or at home, you decrease the chances of them being transported to a new location!
Should mountain bikers announce when they are passing on a trail?
Yes.
What is a durable surface?
Established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, and snow.
How do you properly put out a fire?
Douse it with water. Make sure embers/ash are cool to the touch. Disperse remaining timber and ashes.
What should the dimensions of a cat hole be?
It should be 6 - 8 inches deep and 4 - 6 inches in diameter.
If you are camping in Pisgah National Forest, is it okay for you to bring wood from Clemson for your campfire? Why or why not?
No, because it can lead to the spread of invasive species. Local wood (bought or gathered) should be used when making campfires.
True or false, playing music in nature can disturb the wildlife and other visitors?
True.
Why is trip planning important (LNT principle #1)?
It helps ensure the safety of groups and individuals.
It prepares you to Leave No Trace and minimizes resource damage.
It contributes to accomplishing trip goals safely and enjoyably.
It increases self-confidence and opportunities for learning more about nature.
Why shouldn’t you burn trash in your campfire?
It can lead to flying embers. Burnt food can attract wildlife. Toxins can be released from the burning of different items.
How long does it take a banana peel to decompose?
Up to two years.
How can you prevent bears from getting into your food?
Store your food in properly hung bear bags, a bear can, and bear boxes.
What is a spur trail?
Trails that deviate from the main trail. Caused by people going off-trail to make their path easier by avoiding puddles/mud, trees, rocks, etc.
What are the seven principles of Leave No Trace? 100 bonus points if you know the hand signals :)
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Respect other visitors.
What type of fire leaves no impact on the environment: mound fire, pan fire, bonfire, none of the above?
None of the above. All campfires leave an impact on the environment. The only way to avoid leaving an impact is by using a camp stove or by having no fire at all.
What is greywater?
Water that is created from activities such as washing hands, scrubbing dishes, etc.
How do you know how far away should you be from wildlife?
The Thumb Rule - Wildlife should be far enough away that you cannot see them behind your thumb when you fully extend your arm.
True or false, uphill hikers should yield to downhill hikers?
False, downhill hikers should yield to uphill hikers.
Should you remove cultural objects from public lands or archeological sites?
No, because it is illegal and disrespectful of those cultures (and rude).
If you do have a campfire, how should you pick your timber?
Timber should be dead, down, dinky, and distant. Dinky = wood the size of your wrist or smaller.
How should you dispose of menstruation products in the outdoors?
Used tampons and pads should be kept in plastic bags until they can be thrown away. Diva cups (or similar products) should be emptied into a 6 - 8 inch cat hole and buried. The cup should then be boiled for sanitary reasons.
What is the Bearmuda Triangle?
Your bear hang/bear should be 300 hundred feet (100 yards) downwind from your tent. Your cook area should be 300 hundred feet from your bear hang and tent, forming a triangle.
Who yields to whom on a trail between hikers, mountain bikers, and horses?
Mountain bikers yield to all. Hikers yield to horses. Horses yield to no one.
Why should you not remove natural objects (rock, flowers, leaves, sticks, etc.)?
It is illegal in National Parks and other public land areas. Removal of plant life can negatively impact the food sources of animals in the area. Can contribute to the spread of invasive species.