Things we can do.
1.
Drive less. If you can get by without a vehicle, great. If not, try carpooling, walking, cycling or taking transit a
few days a week. Every little bit makes a difference – and we all have a role to play in cleaning up our air. Driving
less saves money, too. And, if you walk or cycle, you’ll be healthier as well.
2.
Avoid idling. It wastes fuel, wastes money, stresses your engine and pollutes the air. Worst of all, it serves no
purpose. In cold climates, a block heater is a more effective, efficient option for warming up your engine, and only
needs to run for about two hours. Even without a block heater, modern vehicles only need a few minutes of run
time – at most – to warm up.
3.
Get regular tune-ups. Vehicles that are properly serviced run more efficiently, waste less fuel and produce less
air pollution. They’re also less likely to break down, and tend to last longer.
4.
Consider a cleaner vehicle. If you’re in the market for a vehicle, consider something fuel-efficient. A hybrid is an
option if you’re buying new, but many later model, smaller vehicles are also environmentally friendly.
5.
Avoid using gas-powered tools, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers and trimmers. Push mowers, electric
mowers and even modern gaspowered models are better for our health, and our environment.
6.
If you use wood for fuel, use it wisely. The best option is to upgrade your stove to ensure you’re making use
of the latest emission reduction technologies. But changes in the way you burn can also make a difference. For
example, you can reduce air pollution significantly by always using dry wood, cutting it into small pieces, and
keeping your stove and chimney clean and in good working order.
7.
Consider a switch. If you’re buying a new stove or heating appliance, consider one fuelled by propane, natural
gas or pellets. These can all be cleaner alternatives to burning wood.
8.
Say no to backyard burning. Backyard burning was once considered an easy way to get rid of garbage. Today
we know it’s a serious hazard that exposes families, neighbours, pets and whole communities to toxic fumes. Many
areas have banned the practice, and even where it is allowed, a good rule of thumb is “Don’t burn unless you have
to.”
9.
Get involved. Join or create a local air quality management group to work with your local government to improve
air quality in your community.
10. Plant a tree. Trees help to filter harmful pollutants from our air.
What are some stream care guidelines?
Leave natural stream side and lake shore vegetation alone - Trees and shrubs shade the stream, keeping the
water temperature cool for fish. Insects fall off the vegetation and into the water, providing food for the fish.
Plant vegetation on the sides of a lake or stream to stabilize its banks - Any plants that have roots that spread
and knit the soil help strengthen the banks and prevent them from being washed away during floods. Alder,
cottonwood trees and willows provide good root systems for this purpose, and can be planted on the banks.
Do not remove natural debris, such as stumps, fallen trees or boulders, from the stream - Fish use these as
part of their habitat, and as cover from predators (which include larger fish, birds, and small animals). Trees should
only be removed when they block the passage of fish.
Be careful when clearing land or building near streams - Heavy equipment in the stream can ruin spawning
gravel, destroy fish habitat, and damage stream banks.
Vegetation which has been damaged or destroyed by construction should be replaced as soon as possible because
fish depend on it for food and shelter. When the cover is stripped from the sides of streams, the water temperature
rises because it is no longer shaded. Warm water can cause poor health and disease in fish.
Prevent muddy runoff water from construction sights from entering the stream - Water which is brown with
sediment can smother fish eggs which are incubating in the gravel. Without oxygen, which is dissolved in water, the
eggs will die. Also, fish food organisms will be buried and then fish may go hungry.
Leave erodible soils (soils that can be washed away) alone during the wet, rainy season - Stream banks can
be easily damaged during the rainy season. Every rainfall can soften and wash down stream banks, sending mud
and soil into the steam.
Things we can do.
Do not catch small fish and move them into another stream or pond, or take them home - It is illegal to catch
and move fish to another stream. The fish could spread diseases to the fish in the other stream, or you could reduce
the number of fish in the stream so that there would not be enough remaining to continue the species.
Leave the stream alone; don't dig holes or try to redirect the flow of the stream - By digging holes or building
dams, you may be destroying a spawning or fish producing area. Fish could become stranded if the stream's flow is
changed.
Keep pets and livestock away from streams - Livestock should not be allowed to graze on stream banks because
they trample and destroy vegetation or ruin spawning gravel by walking in the stream beds. Dogs should be
controlled when they are near streams, they sometimes chase spawning fish, or they stir up the mud in the stream.
Use garden and lawn chemicals sparingly with care. Follow disposal instructions carefully - Do not spray
stream side vegetation. Some chemicals (bug and weed killers) are toxic, and harmful to people and fish. Other
chemicals (fertilizers) can make algae and weeds grow in streams and lakes, and disturb the fish's food supply.
Remove garbage from the stream area - Litter in the stream can ruin the water, and may be toxic to the fish and
wildlife that use it. The beauty of a stream is spoiled by throwing unwanted articles into it.
Direct soap suds, detergents, waste oil, gasoline or other household chemicals onto absorbent ground away
from streams, not down storm drains or into roadside ditches - When you wash the wastewater containing these
substances down storm drains, it enters the streams untreated and pollutes the water system.
1. Retain or restore shoreline to natural state.
2. Build a small floating dock for swimming and/
or lake access.
3. Use public beaches or boat launches.
4. Design docks with pilings, rather than solid
core supports.
5. Focus development upland from shorelines
areas, above the high-water mark and within
existing property lines.
1. Design natural retention systems with input
from government agencies listed on the back
page
2. Protect or replant native plants that naturally
stabilize the shoreline. (cottonwood, cattails,
willow and red-osier dogwood are common)
1. Protect native plants.
2. Create narrow paths for access to water.
3. Replant with native plants.
4. Consult with government agencies before
removing dangerous or hazardous trees.
5. Dispose of yard waste in approved facilities.
1. Locate intakes away from valuable fish
habitat.
2. Maintain properly sized screens on intakes.
Guidelines are available for screening. Ask
for the Freshwater Intake end of Pipe Fish
Screen Guidelines.
3. Consult with government agencies before
installing or placing intakes.
1. Install septic tanks and fields as far from
water as possible (at least to setback
distances required in your area).
2. Maintain septic tanks and fields.
3. Use phosphate-free and non-toxic cleaners.
4. Minimize lawn size and watering, maximize
distance of lawn from lakeshore and refrain
from using fertilizers, herbicides and
Things we can do.
pesticides.
Many property owners wish to make changes to their
shorelines. The most common changes are clearing
vegetation, adding fill, rock or sand and building
docks or retaining walls. Often these
projects are undertaken without understanding
the environmental impacts. Unfortunately,
these “improvements” do not always benefit a
waterways’ natural inhabitants, especially when
you add up the changes throughout a watershed.
Alterations to a shoreline can upset the delicate
natural balance that exists and can negatively impact
fish and fish habitat.
The Issues
10 actions to think salmon at home
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Salmon need water in the rivers, streams and lakes of our communities. The best way to help salmon
is to use less water. Using less water in our daily lives leaves more water for salmon, which means
healthier salmon. Here are 10 easy suggestions to think salmon at your home:
1. Speed up your shower
2. Save a toilet flush once a day, especially at night
3. Fix appliances, connections and pipes that leak water
4. Replace old, inefficient appliances with new, energy-efficient ones
5. Load your dishwasher full before running it
6. Use your legs! Leave your vehicle at home and get on your bike or walk around your
community
7. Hunt down energy waste in your home: turn off lights, check for drafts at windows and doors,
keep the thermostat low, replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs
8. Install a low-flow shower head
9. Wash your car on the grass and let the water runoff filter through the soil, or use automatic
car washes that recycle water and dispose of detergents properly
10. Sweep paved areas instead of hosing them and you'll prevent pollutants and debris from
entering storm drains
Off road vehicles
How you can leave a good impression…
• Stay on managed or established trails, roads and routes.
• Avoid riding ATVs or trail bikes along beaches, through
marshes or in other sensitive sites that may be breeding
areas.
• Obey all posted signs that pertain to wildlife.
• Avoid traveling through areas during times known to be
sensitive for certain wildlife (e.g., avoid grasslands adjacent
to Bighorn Sheep during their lambing season – April to
June).
• Maintain your equipment: Keep machines tuned and properly
muffled to reduce exhaust and noise.
If you encounter wildlife…
• Slow down, leave your engine running
and stay on your machine.
• When snowmobiling in deep snow,
stay clear of wild animals so that
vehicle noise and proximity do not
add stress to animals.
Things we can do.
Leave no Trace.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Details ( + )
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In popular areas:
o
Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
o
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
o
Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
o
In pristine areas:
o
Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
o
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Details ( + )
© 2008 Leave No Trace | Terms and Conditions
Things we can do.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash,
leftover food, and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails.
Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of
biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Details ( + )
Leave What You Find
Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Details ( + )
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a
candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Details ( + )
Things we can do.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to
predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Details ( + )
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises