Canoeist - Everything2.com

Canoeists' Environmental Code

Canoeists, like others who use the outdoors for recreation, have a responsibility to minimise their impact on the natural environment on public and private property. Comply with these rules, National Park regulations and fire bans.

ACCESS

Always seek permission from landowners for access to water, apart from being courteous, it is often required by law. You may even need their help later (and don't play with their animals)
Use gates, not fences, and leave gates as you find them
Leave livestock and property alone

RUBBISH

If you carry it in, carry it out, especially cans, bottles, alfoil and plastics. Carry a bag for rubbish
Burn all paper rubbish
Take foods which have minimal packaging. Fresh Food does not need cans and jars
Don't be too proud to clean up somebody else's rubbish

FIRES

Carefully select a site away from bushes, trees and rocks which could be damaged
Dig a pit fire. It is efficient and easily covered later
Burn only dead timber that has already fallen. If wood is scarce, use stoves
Large fires are wasteful, leave firewood for those to follow
Quench the fire with water and bury it before leaving

TOILETS

For defecation always dig a hole 25cm deep, burn paper and fill in afterwards
Carry a trowel per group
Use a site 100m away from water catchment and campsites

FLORA AND FAUWNA

Use tracks where possible to minimise trampling

Remember, just being there is a disturbance to natural wildlife. Make as little noise as possible and respect the homes of animals

RIVERS

Avoid putting anything into the water which may pollute it; soap, dishwasher and rubbish just to name a few.
On rapids, avoid moving rocks. If you can't paddle it, portage

TAKE NOTHING BUT PHOTOGRAPHS AND LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS

Coutesy of the non-published Kayaking hand Book by Greg Allen, teacher at Thomas More College

yakker	Canoeing	Aconite	Thomas More College
river maggot	paddler