Leaving a "Soft" Footprint on America's Wilderness
Monday, July 16, 2007
This summer, tens of thousands of Iowa families will vacation in some of the country's wilderness areas like the Boundary Waters of Minnesota or the Ozarks. There are 702 such wilderness areas nationwide that will visited by millions this year. It can be a breath-taking experience, but too many people with bad habits can make those wild areas less inviting. Jennifer Schmidt with the Campaign for America's Wilderness says the key is to leave a "soft" footprint.
"One way to leave a light footprint is certainly to pick up after yourself."
Her recommendation is to access these areas on foot, horseback or by canoe and take out everything you bring in. Schmidt believes there is a way to accommodate all who want to experience America's wilderness.
"I think the solution to ensuring that there's enough wild land out there for everyone to enjoy is actually to make sure that more of our wild federal areas are protected as wilderness."
Schmidt notes that there are permits needed when camping and hiking in designated wilderness areas. She adds, make sure you leave the forest pristine -- never dig up plants, trees or flowers to bring home.
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