Responsible Recreation in our NCAs during COVID-19
Wondering what the "Safer at Home" guidelines mean for recreation in our National Conservation Areas (NCAs)? As people begin to cautiously leave their homes, we must continue to make responsible decisions while on our public lands. Check out the following recommendations and guidelines to recreate in the NCAs responsibly!
Information in this publication is current as of May 4th, 2020. With the situation changing daily, it is your responsibility to understand and follow current regulations.
Social Distancing
Although we all love hitting the trails with friends and family, we must continue to practice social distancing while enjoying the outdoors. While this doesn’t mean you have to hike alone, it does mean that you need to maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and others while hiking, and 15 feet of distance if running or biking. Additionally, it is recommended to only hike with your immediate household members and to wear a cloth mask whenever you leave your house.
The NCAs, and other public lands around the Western Slope, have seen increased usage during this time. Many trailheads and popular recreation spots are becoming extremely crowded. If you arrive at a trailhead and it’s full of cars, please go to a less crowded area or return at a later time. Specific areas that are being overused include Rabbit Valley, Bridgeport, and Escalante Canyon. Consider going elsewhere for the time being to minimize impact to the landscape and your fellow community members. Both Mesa County’s and the State of Colorado’s “Safer at Home” guidelines specify that you should not travel outside of your local community for recreational activities.
Avoid Risk
With our hospital facilities and healthcare workers stretched thin during this time, it is extremely important that the public avoids risk. In small and large communities alike, hospital beds and ambulances are extremely limited right now. Outdoor recreation, when you can observe 6 feet of distance between participants and limit group sizes to 10 or fewer, are allowed in the Governor’s “Safer at Home” guidelines. Activities such as climbing, downhill skiing, and other adventure sports that are inherently riskier are not advised.
Overall, people should think about how risky activities put unnecessary stress on our emergency service providers and could take away resources from those struggling with coronavirus. Unfortunately, over the past month, Mesa County has seen an increase in Search and Rescue calls and operations. Please help minimize this impact by avoiding risk and being prepared.
Stay Local
We care deeply about the safety of our local community and we’re sure that you do as well. To help prevent the spread of the virus to other communities, the Governor’s “Safer at Home” guidelines strictly prohibit unnecessary travel, which includes any travel for outdoor recreation. Luckily, here on the Western Slope, we have abundant outdoor recreation opportunities right in our own backyard! Please stick to your local trails within your own community. The “Safer at Home” guidelines emphasize staying within 10 miles of your home for outdoor recreation. Once again, we want to ensure that we aren’t putting unnecessary stress on other communities with fewer healthcare resources.
Respect BLM Facilities
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for all management needs of our NCAs. However, as with many other businesses and agencies, the BLM has had to make changes in their current operations, including facilities management. Please keep in mind that many facilities, such as toilets, may be closed. Please be respectful of these facilities. It is advised to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Plan accordingly and follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
Follow Leave No Trace Principles (LNT)
As always, it is crucial to follow the Leave No Trace principles (LNT). With increased visitation of our many recreation areas, LNT is more important than ever. These principles not only help us protect the land, but each other as well. Here are some key points to remember when following LNT during this time:
Plan and Prepare
Make sure the activity/trail you are about to recreate on is a responsible choice during this time. Ask yourself questions like, “Can I do this activity safely?” and “Will the trail be too crowded?” before you go. Pack plenty of water, food, and a first aid kit in case anything does happen.
Walk, Camp, (And Drive!) on Durable Surfaces
As always, it is important to stay on designated trails to protect the fragile desert environment. However, this principle applies to all vehicles as well. With trailheads becoming overcrowded, many people are parking in undesignated spots, running over fragile soil and plants. This is incredibly destructive to the habitat. If you can’t find a parking space, please go to another trail in the area or come back at a later time.
Dispose of waste properly
Now more than ever, make sure you pack all of your garbage and waste out. This removes the risk of someone else having to pick up your trash and potentially come in contact with coronavirus. Since bathrooms may be closed, follow LNT recommendations for your liquid and solid waste.
Respect other visitors
Once again, please maintain social distancing while on the trails as others may have an increased risk of getting sick. Find good locations to let other visitors pass by you at a safe distance. Give out smiles and words of kindness freely as everyone needs positivity in their lives right now!
For a complete list on LNT principles, click here!