Planning So You Can Care for the Wilderness
Wilderness has regulations. Gosh, regulations, right? Didn’t we just say that wilderness is freedom? Okay, fair enough. But, wilderness is not indestructible, rather, it’s actually quite delicate and can be easily damaged. The regulations are designed to help protect the resource. Okay, yes, you should know the rules in advance and expect to be accountable to them.
However, we suggest a better approach. Understand the meaning or rationale behind them. They are designed to protect. If you understand the why and have a desire to care for the resource, then they no longer feel constricting. It is the principle of the rule that is important. Know that, buy into that, and your commitment will translate into a demonstration of care well beyond what the regulations require. Check out our Keeping the Winds Wild section to learn more.
Do you know about Leave No Trace principles? They’re easy and simple (we like easy and simple!) and give those regulations meaning and help answer why are we asking you to do these things.
The backcountry feels incredible when shared with a community of fellow visitors showing that they care and trying to leave the wilderness better than they found it. Our kids that are growing up in the wilderness will be grateful that we cared!
We legitimately cannot thank you enough for your efforts towards caring for this area!