Issues Rubbish: Pollutes habitats Food scraps not part of natural habitat Animals depend on food scraps (leads

ads to unnaturally high populations, aggressive behaviour & diseases from refined foods) Fires: Burning of debris leaves no organic matter to decompose and provide nutrients Creates a breeding ground for weeds Destroys habitats Trampling associated with collection of wood Leaves scarred ground Can get out of control Waterways: Waterways polluted through washing with soaps etc. Toileting seepage fouls water

Minimal Impact in the Bush

Solutions Limit amount going in - Dont take rubbish such as bottles, cans and excess wrapping Individual rubbish bags puts ownership on everyone Take out what you take in Role-model: pick up rubbish left by others

Use alternatives when possible (fuel stove for cooking) Discuss necessity of fire: use candles as focal point If you have fire: keep it small, dont put rocks around it (leaves a visual scar and river rocks explode), use existing fire place (if safe), put fire out with water, use only dead fallen wood or carry own wood

Campsite Selection: Disrupts habitats Leaves large erosions Trampling of vegetation

Suggest alternatives to soap (eg. Sand) as detergents harm fish and waterlife (even biodegradable types) Wash at least 50 m away from streams/lakes and scatter the wash water so that it filters through soil before returning to stream Boil water for 10 mins Toilet 100 m from water, 15 cm deep Use registered sites in off peak seasons Dont go to wilderness areas unless a key element of program Explain impact on others Small groups Leave no trace philosophy 100 m from water and campsite, 15 cm deep Burn before bury In snow, dig down below snow layer or carry out Use toilet if there Use easily decomposing toilet paper Pit toilet for large group Cover food, strict hygiene, boil water for 10 mins Stay on track, even if rough or muddy (walking on the track edges and cutting corners increases damage, erosion and visual scarring) Keep groups small Spread out in open country where no tracks: disperses impact

Toileting: Heavy impact around popular camping sites Diseases caused by poor practices Contamination of water Toilet paper becomes unsightly Faeces slow to break down in alpine soils, caves, snow

Off-track/On-track walking: Leaves large erosion areas Trampling of vegetation

Avoid sensitive vegetation (eg. Sphagnum moss)

Walk softly and wear lightweight boots where possible and walk on rocks when possible Dont mark tracks: unsightly and confusing Feral animals feed from organic matter left as waste

Wildlife: Natural habitat disturbed physically and through noise Food source disturbed or interfered with (ex, eating food scraps)

Walk quietly/softly Take everything out Dont feed or touch

8 Principles of Minimal Impact

Respect all living things Minimise noise & intrusion

Pack out everything you carry in Be fire smart

Become toilet trained in the bush In popular places concentrate the impact In pristine places disperse use & impact