Article Summary:
- Commonly, national park visitors disregard obvious standards, like getting too close to wildlife and straying from trails.
- However, some guidelines are more nuanced, like the recommendation to source firewood locally and avoid building rock towers.
- I think educated visitors should respectfully say something if they see others neglecting rules, especially because National Park Service staffing has declined in recent years.
There’s no refuting that the country’s national parks are enchanting. They allow many visitors the chance to investigate never-before-seen places and witness unfamiliar creatures. It’s an exciting experience — so much so that some get caught up in the enthusiasm and forget guidelines altogether.
You’ve likely seen the headlines and videos. Someone tries to affectionately touch a fluffy cow despite warnings to remain far away from the bison. Another jumps a fence and nearly falls into a canyon. A group damages a delicate rock formation or tries soaking in a boiling hot spring.
We find amusement in those referred to as “ tourists of national parks” because we think how illogical it is. How obvious not to approach wildlife or endanger your safety. Still, you may be surprised by the quantity of individuals who entirely lose sense of reason upon seeing a mother bear and her two cubs. I watched a Yellowstone ranger deal with that group and the poor man appeared nearly at the point of a nervous breakdown.
Thankfully, the vast bulk of visitors are aware and behave appropriately — and most respect other plainly evident rules, too. For instance, discarding trash and defacing areas are acts we learn to avoid in urban environments. Refraining from identical conduct when in nature is understood.
However, in fairness, some tourists may not be familiar with the more subtle guidelines. I speak from personal experience.
Before moving from Chicago to Colorado eight years ago, I had never hiked in remote natural areas. I didn’t grasp the impact of taking shortcuts off trails or that leaving fruit peels behind is unacceptable. I had no understanding why building rock structures is frowned upon or why someone wouldn’t want to greet my unleashed puppy.
However, right now you have the occasion to gain knowledge from what I and others have learned incorrectly.
3 Key Ways to Protect National Parks and Reasons to Follow the Rules
Keep Your Distance from Wildlife and Never Feed the Animals
Most national parks require visitors stay at least 25 meters from most wildlife. This incorporates elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and moose. For context, a school bus is approximately 35 meters long.
Allow predatory animals like bears and wolves at least 100 yards of space, which is nearly the length of a soccer field.
It’s also important to never provision the creatures. This incorporates avians and cute beings like squirrels and chipmunks that are likely to approach you. Regrettably, many have become acclimated to receiving nourishment from humans.
These regulations are in effect for your protection, as many wild animals are unsafe and territorial. But these rules also safeguard the local wildlife.
Feeding wildlife can cause abnormal behaviors, illness, and even death. Deaths can also occur due to carelessness of visitors. No one wants another dreadful story about a baby buffalo being euthanized because of a park visitor who failed to follow the “observe, don’t touch” rule.
Stay on Trails and Follow Closures
Upon entering Rocky Mountain National Park (and several other parks), visitors receive a pamphlet explicitly stating not to depart from trails. Signs in some areas also reiterate this message. Yet, on my recent visit there, I saw multiple people disregarding the guideline.
For instance, I observed three individuals climb over a fence to acquire a different perspective of a waterfall. They did so regardless of obviously visible signs stating “Warning: strong, fast water — stay out.” Thankfully, this group didn’t fall in. However, had they, the rescue would have drawn away from valuable park resources, ones that should be reserved for significantly less negligent behavior.
Also on that trip, I witnessed numerous groups departing from the trail and onto the delicate tundra landscape. According to the National Park Service, recovering from this erosion may require hundreds of years. The parks are established to safeguard these ecosystems and all visitors should do their component to help. Future generations will want to benefit from them, too.
Please note that exploration beyond established trails is allowed at certain national parks, including Badlands in South Dakota and Mount Rainier in Washington. Be sure to review the rules before visiting any park so you know what’s permissible and where.
Leave No Trace
“Leaving no trace” implies more than just avoiding vandalism or littering, right? Those are key principles but there are also some subtle guidelines that move beyond discarding trash and marking rocks with your social media handle.
Non-profit organization Leave No Trace has a free course that delves deeper into outdoor ethics and how to protect the environment. I highly recommend that every outdoor enthusiast familiarize themselves with these principles, which include:
Don’t take what you find.
Taking home a naturally found stone may appear insignificant. However, national parks saw over 300 million guests last year [ source]. If every visitor removed a small item, it would add up to a serious problem over time, as all aspects of the landscape support its native wildlife.
Additionally, it detracts from the parks` natural beauty, which everyone deserves to enjoy. Similarly, you should avoid constructing structures, including cairns.
Get rid of waste properly.
I’m not referring to landfill vs. recycling. When outdoors, you need to pack out all trash, leftover food, and sometimes… your own waste, including toilet paper.
When digging a soil pit, it should be 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from trails, campsites, and bodies of water. Also, be sure to clean dishes at least 200 feet from bodies of water, and always strain your dishwater and pack out food scraps.
Pitch tents at campsites.
Designated pathways, bare rock, dry grass, and snow make for suitable surfaces, too. Similar to staying on trails, establishing camp in delicate spots can cause erosion and damage plant life. Additionally, to safeguard wetlands, rest at minimum 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Keep campfires small and use local wood.
A wise figure once stated, `Only you can prevent forest fires!` Always follow any posted fire risk advisories. Where campfires are permitted and established ring areas are available, utilize those spots.
You should also source your wood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species. Be sure to burn the wood completely and really make certain the fire goes out — I’ve been shocked several times when fires have sprung back. Once cool, scatter the ashes.
So, What Do You Do If You See Someone Breaking a Rule at a National Park?
I gave a few examples of improper visitor conduct I personally witnessed and believe me, I could relay many more stories. In my view, if you notice something, you should speak up. I do whenever possible.
Most times, I’ll receive a puzzled expression. I truly think that numerous visitors fail to grasp the importance of these guidelines, nor their individual impact. On occasion, I’ll get an irritated look — no bee in my bonnet. Either way, bringing their behavior to their attention gets them to cease.
On more rare occasions, someone will inquire as to why they shouldn’t perform a certain action. This almost always relates to feeding animals. Again, I believe people mean well and simply want to care for the chubby, friendly squirrels.
The following outlines what the National Park Service discusses on this topic: “Wildlife that consume our snacks can become satiated by improper nutritional choices and quit typical foraging.” The article adds, “Creatures reliant on human foods can quit hunting or gathering naturally and ultimately starve.”
What happens when nearly all national park visitors leave in winter? Our small wildlife cannot survive. Present this logical point to any compassionate person and I`m certain they will refrain.
Highlighting lapses isn’t intended to portray oneself as the most virtuous protector in the park. It’s about safeguarding visitors, wildlife, and the beautiful landscapes we cherish.
The reality is the National Park Service faces severe staffing limitations. A recent press release published by the National Parks Conservation Association states, “Between 2012 and 2022, visitation grew by 10% while staffing declined by 13%. Currently, the Park Service has 2,600 fewer employees than in 2011.”
There aren`t enough park rangers monitoring the trails. Therefore, in my view, educated visitors must support those less familiar with outdoorsmanship ethics. Assume good faith in others, engage kindly, and speak confidently.
There is no dishonor in doing everything possible to safeguard what you cherish.
