Minimal Impact Bushwalking Code

If you have suggestions, please contact any member of the committee

The need for long tracts of duckboard in the popular walking areas of Kosciuszko and elsewhere to control erosion and damage to plant species, discarded drink cans and ugly campfire rings piled with tins and bottles, all testify to the impact recreationists have had on the environment.

In earlier generations care for the environment did not seem to matter much. We threw our cans on the fire or buried them. Now it is different. There are so many more people using wilderness areas. The code below, compiled from several resource that provides us with so much pleasure.

Campsites

Use an existing campsite rather than make a new one in the same area. Setting up camp will be easier and additional ground cover will not be damaged. Leaders should limit the size of their party, especially in sensitive areas.
Bring your own tent poles or use dead timber. Never cut live trees for poles.
Use of sensitive areas requires special care. Do not camp in the catchments of glacial lakes.

Campfires

Fires should not be lit in sensitive areas, such as sub-alpine regions. Stoves must be used in high-use areas (note: in some areas, for example Tasmania, legislation prescribes "stove only" areas).
Use established firesites wherever possible. Distribute ashes and unused firewood. Spread leaf litter or soil over the firesite. In sandy soil bury ashes.
Use only fallen, dead wood for fires.
Don't make fires near trunks of trees, on roots, on peaty soil, or where the fire could spread.
Quench the fire completely. Keep water handy to control the fire should it spread.
Don't even think of lighting a fire or stove during a total fire ban!
Don't dispose of aluminium foil, plastics or cans by burning (note: some containers appear to be made of cardboard but can be lined with foil). When in doubt carry it out! Don't dispose of other material unless the fire is very hot and you are sure that it will be reduced to ash.
Exercise care with stoves. Do not allow excess pressure which may cause safety valve ignition.

Sanitation

Bury human wastes. Take a trowel and dig a small hole well away from any open water.
If in snow burn toilet paper after use, (or use snow!).
Disposal of human waste at heavily-used campsites requires more effort. Go much farther away!
Wash well away from streams and ensure that soap, detergents and food refuse do not enter watercourses. When cleaning utensils use gritty sand rather than soap.

Rubbish

Apply the "carry in, carry out" rule. This applies to orange peel, fruit cores, sanitary items, seeds and egg shells. Remember to take some plastic bags.
Before leaving a lunch spot or campsite check that no rubbish is left.

Tracks and Routes

Go in small parties and tread carefully to avoid damaging vegetation. Use stepping stones in eroded areas if available.
Limit walking in areas that have been over-used.
Minimise walking on loose ground, scree slopes, dunes, marshes and bogs.
Keep to marked or formed tracks. Do not take short cuts on zig-zag tracks.

Flora and Fauna

Native flora and fauna should be left undisturbed. Do not kill snakes.
Do not take domestic animals on walks.
Report sightings of feral animals, illegal forest grazing or illegal use of protected areas (eg. wood cutting or removal of rocks) to park or forest authorities as appropriate.

Noise

Radios and cassette players should be left at home.

IN SUMMARY - BE PREPARED AND BE INFORMED!


Copyright © 2010 Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc. Web design by gang-gang	The picture at the top of this page is a view from Mt Namadgi in the heart of the Namadgi National Park. Mount Kelly and the Kelly Spur can be seen on the right. With its proximity to Canberra, this wilderness area is a favourite location for many of the club's day walks (photo John Evans).