Forest Service Urges Responsible Recreation

Sparks, NV; February 13, 2015 – As another long holiday weekend approaches, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (HTNF) officials encourage safe and responsible use of the great outdoors. Winter recreationists should take a few extra precautions to ensure all can have fun on their public lands.

Visitors should plan ahead by knowing regulations and special concerns for their intended destination and prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. When recreating on the forest, individuals should respect others by driving and parking safely and treating others with courtesy, especially in areas that may be heavily visited, such as sno-parks, shooting areas, and trails with easy access.

When leaving the area, people should either remove all leftover food and trash or deposit it in a trash receptacle if one is available. Littering on public lands is a serious problem.

For example, recently over 40 volunteers from several agencies and local residents joined Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) personnel in cleaning up over 1,000 pounds of trash recreationists left behind, including broken sleds, diapers, bottles, cans, and food. The SMNRA typically experiences thousands of visitors daily during holiday weekends.

When lots of people come to recreate in a small area, safety issues and uncontrolled littering become more evident, according to Forest Service Law Enforcement Patrol Captain Don Harris. “If people would consider how their irresponsible actions diminish other users’ enjoyment and compromise safety, they may take time to drive slow; park in designated zones; and pack out what they brought.”

“Public lands belong to all of us. When people recreate with others in mind, everyone has a better experience while helping our lands remain healthy for future visitors too,” said HTNF Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger.

Visitors can read more about outdoor ethics designed to keep everyone safe when enjoying public lands at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5143036.pdf.