IMPACT OR ART? A LEAVE NO TRACE HOT TOPIC
TWO
NEW TEAMS
ON THE ROAD FOR LEAVE NO TRACE IN EVERY PARK
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
What’s on SALE in the Leave No Trace Pro Shop
IN THE SPOTLIGHT with Green Earth Outdoors and Appalachian Trail Conservancy
7
MOUNTAIN BIKING ESSENTIALS
EDUCATION IN MOTION
Find out when the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers will be near you!
PARTNER NEWS #sharethetrail
MAY 2015 | www.LNT.org
CONTENTS
MAY 2015
LEAVE NO TRACE TIPS & TRICKS
4-5
MOUNTAIN BIKING
TRAVELING TEAMS
6-11 12-13
14 15
MEET OUR NEW TEAMS WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2015
IN THE SPOTLIGHT GREEN EARTH OUTDOORS & APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
LEAVE NO TRACE HOT TOPIC IMPACT, ART OR BOTH?
LEAVE NO TRACE PRO SHOP ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS AND ETHICS
Kids test their knowledge of Leave No Trace at Saguaro National Park
7
Mountain Biking Essentials
On a mountain bike, you can pedal at a pace that promotes intimacy and interaction with the environment, or you can swoop along a rippin’ singletrack while testing your skills on a steep descent. Mountain biking is one of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation and now, more than ever, responsible riding is essential to helping ensure long-term health of the sport.
To meet the growing need for Leave No Trace education for mountain bikers, the Center has just released a new, essential piece - The Mountain Biking Ethics Reference card. These seven tech tips are from the new, educational piece, available later this year in the Leave No Trace Pro Shop. Respect for the trails as well as the other people using them is paramount for mountain bikers. These are just a few simple considerations to keep in mind on your next mountain biking adventure and will help ensure a safe, fun, and minimal impact riding experience.
1
Ensure that your mountain bike is in good, working order. A properly maintained mountain bike reduces the risk of injury, a long walk out, or both.
2
Be self-sufficient and pack appropriately. A rain shell, multi-tool, spare tube, pump, and food all help ensure a safe and fun ride.
3
Avoid riding muddy, excessively wet, or icy trails. When encountering patches of mud or ice, ride through it and not around to avoid trail widening.
4
Gel, chews, and bar wrappers can easily get lost and end up on the trail. Prevent this by designating a specific pocket just for litter, wrappers, and leftover food.
5
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Check your clothing, bike, and equipment before and after each ride for seeds. Wash your bike between rides.
6
Stick to the trail. Wildlife accustomed to riders can predict actions, but riding off-trail confuses wildlife and can alter their behavior.
7
Be courteous. Yield to hikers and equestrians. Be prepared to stop and dismount if the trail is narrow or crowded. Yield to climbing cyclists when descending.
LEAVE NO TRACE IN EVERY PARK
TWO NEW TEAMS! The goal—Leave No Trace education for everyone who loves the outdoors—is enormous. We find ourselves leaning heavily on many of you: the thousands of volunteers in the field and also our three teams of road warriors, the Subaru/ Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers. This year, the teams are working on our new multi-year initiative that incorporates Leave No Trace programs and educational opportunities across the country. Leave No Trace in Every Park is taking many forms, from interpretive materials, staff and volunteer training, public education initiatives to onsite signs, junior ranger programs, Leave No Trace Hot Spots and more. To get the job done, we are introducing two new Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Teams: Katelyn Stutterheim & Blake Jackson and Jenna Hanger & Sam Ovett. Meet the teams!
Traveling Trainers in Zion National Park
LEAVE NO TRACE IN EVERY PARK
T S EA L: A M R A T E T EN C
Katelyn Stutterheim & Blake Jackson Katelyn Stutterheim developed her love for the outdoors on the shores of the Great Lakes, primarily Lake Huron. After studying at Grand Valley State University, Katelyn followed her passion and set foot upon the Appalachian Trail. Katelyn is looking forward to connecting others to the outdoors as an educator for Leave No Trace.
Blake Jackson began his outdoor adventures in the cypress swamps of Southern Georgia. Blake’s interest in the backcountry evolved as he went on to teach survival skills and rock climbing at Denton College and then worked in the eco-tourism field in Alaska. Now Blake is bringing his experience back to the main land to spread the knowledge of how to enjoy the world responsibly. Click here to read Katelyn & Blake’s full biographies!
LEAVE NO TRACE IN EVERY PARK Q: A national park that you look forward to visiting each year? A: We are not sure about our favorite, but we look forward to exploring new national parks — as the East Central team we cannot wait to spend some time in the Ozark & Boundary Water regions. Q: One article of clothing that you cannot live without? A: A good flannel. Q: Why do you love Leave No Trace? A: Because the movement helps people become aware of their impacts so future generations can enjoy the outdoors as we have. Q: What about being a Traveling Trainer are you looking forward to the most? A: Proving that we can have a “real” job that allows us to continue to explore our passion — it does exist. Q: What do you like to do in your down time? A: So here’s the thing about down time, it’s all the time. Planning & preparing for our next adventure, hiking, honing our frisbee skills, and reading & sharing our stories. Q: Anything you want our members & partners to know about you? A: We believe making personal connections is the way to get this dance party started; and we love to boogie, so be prepared and put on your dancing shoes!
LEAVE NO TRACE IN EVERY PARK
M : A T E S T E W
Jenna Hanger & Sam Ovett
Jenna Hanger grew up on an island off the coast of Georgia but got her first real taste of the backcountry while on a trip to colorful Colorado. Upon receiving a degree in Atmospheric Studies from the University of Georgia, Jenna ventured into the outdoor industry and pursued positions in both guiding and serving as a manager for an international outfitter. Jenna is excited to spread Leave No Trace education to communities across the West! Sam connected with the outdoors when he was just 6 months old and sailing with his family. Since then, Sam worked his way up to the rank of Eagle Scout and also obtained a degree in Environmental Studies. With his teaching and guiding experience, Sam hopes to educate others on the wonders of the outdoors as well as document his Traveling Trainer adventures through photos and videos. Click here to read Jenna & Sam’s full biographies!
LEAVE NO TRACE IN EVERY PARK Q: A national park that you look forward to visiting each year? A: Do we have to pick just one?! Then we choose the iconic Yosemite! Q: We don’t leave for an adventure without...? A: A fresh cup of joe. Q: Why do you love Leave No Trace? A: It is something we can all relate to whether you are a core athlete, a weekend warrior, or just out for an afternoon stroll in your local park. It does not take a huge amount of effort to practice Leave No Trace, but the impact it has on keeping our outdoor spaces amazing and flourishing is huge! Q: Favorite outdoor adventure to date? A: This has got to be the 21-day Grand Canyon float trip that we took last November, hands down. Everyone has got to do a trip like this if they get the opportunity to! Q: Greatest unknown about the next year of your life? A: Since we have never traveled much in the western states, new landscapes and places are the greatest unknown — we could not be more excited to explore the unfamiliar, in all of its innate beauty. Q: Favorite camp meal? A: Oh man, we really love good fresh food and we especially love to start the day off right with a healthy, hearty meal! Our go to camp breakfast is fried eggs in ghee, spicy (preferrably local) sausage, sauteed spinach and sliced avocado. Don’t forget the coffee!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH COMMUNITY PARTNER: GREEN EARTH OUTDOORS
Partner since: 2008 Proudest accomplishment: Broadening the awareness and providing education towards responsible recreation. Where do you find your inspiration? Seeing the joy and happiness in someone after they accomplish something in the outdoors that they previously thought they couldn’t accomplish. Can’t go outside without...: a camera, journal, and peanut butter! Favorite outdoor destination: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota. Definition of a perfect day: Being outside with others without and away from electronic media. Our Leave No Trace partnership...: is important to our mission of educating others about responsible outdoor recreation. We are grateful for the ongoing work of the Center and their dedicated staff for providing us with the resources to make a difference.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH COMMUNITY PARTNER: APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
Partner since: 2001 Proudest accomplishment: Having the distinct honor of managing and protecting the longest, continuous footpath in the world: the Appalachian Trail. Wildest dream: To have the entire Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscapes fully funded and protected, so that it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Most forgotten Leave No Trace principle: Be Considerate of Other Visitors Can’t go outside without...: pants and sunglasses Favorite outdoor destination: Bigelow Range, ME. Definition of a perfect day: In this order: coffee, waffles, skiing/hiking/biking/ or kayaking, friends, dogs, sunshine, beer, and music. Our Leave No Trace partnership...: is a means of helping steward the Appalachian Trail into the future.
IMPACT, ART OR BOTH? The Latest Hot Topic On Social Media
Last month, Leave No Trace’s Pat and TJ Beezley, posted the photo to the right on the Leave No Trace Facebook page. The photo depicts a popular rock, painted as a face, in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, California. Enjoy the most thought provoking comments and ponder your personal reaction. “Leave No Trace is a spectrum. On one end there are many impacts to the land, on the other there are very few. To the question of impact or art, it boils down to one’s personal ethic. For some, this clearly represents art and others it represents intentional or even malicious impact. Regardless of one’s stance on the issue, thought should be given to the lasting impression (or impact) that each of us chooses to leave (or not leave) behind.” - Ben Lawhon, Education Director of Leave No Trace “This is in Lone Pine, California - I grew up there. This particular rock is referred to as ‘Monster Rock’ and for as long as I can remember there has been a face painted on it. The face that is shown in this photo is the newest and most recent, it is changed randomly by locals. I do not recall anyone from Lone Pine complaining about it...” - Stevie Martinez
“In 1,000 years think of the amount of ruins we will leave behind if we’re no longer here? Do we really need to leave a mark in the few wilderness areas that are left in the U.S.? Even if not designated wilderness, it might be wilderness to someone.” - Emily Becker
“Impact. Why do people always have to “leave their mark?” Most things are much better without any evidence that humans were ever there.” -Sarah Wilfahrt
PRO SHOP SALE All Leave No Trace Skills & Ethics Booklets are on SALE through May! Hone your Leave No Trace knowledge for different outdoor activities and regions! Skills & Ethics booklets regularly $2.95, now $1.92 Library of Skills & Ethics booklets regularly $41.30, now $33.04 Click the picture below to find them online! Skills & Ethics booklets: • Alaska Wildlands • Caving • Deserts and Canyons • Fishing • Horse Use • Lakes Region • Mountain Biking • North America • Northeast Mountains • Pacific Northwest • Rock Climbing • Rocky Mountains • Sea Kayaking • Sierra Nevada • Southeast • Western River Corridors
EDUCATION IN MOTION The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers are conducting the following training events across the country in May. We hope to see you at an event!
Idaho: - Palouse Bicycle Collective Ride, Moscow
Check out the Team Calendars — sort by team or by your state for the most up to date event listings.
Montana: - 40th Annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival, Bigfork
For more information about these or to attend, visit the event calendar. We hope to see you on the road!
New York: - Adirondack Mountain Club, Lake Placid
California: - Yosemite Climbing Stewardship Training, Yosemite National Park Colorado: - Partners in the Outdoors Conference, Keystone - Lake County Intermediate School , Leadville - West Park Elementary School, Leadville
Oregon: - Madrona Elementary School, Grants Pass - Call of the Wild, Bend - International Trails Symposium, Portland - Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil
Vermont: -ReSource YouthBuild, Montpelier -Little River State Park, Waterbury Virginia: - Randolph Elementary School, Crozier - Wilderness First Aid Course, Richmond - Dominion Riverrock, Richmond Washington: - Sunnyside Elementary School, Pullman - Franklin Elementary School, Pullman - Jefferson Elementary School, Pullman
Click here to view the Team Calendars online!