Why IS Leave NO Trace Important

1

• Why IS Leave NO Trace Important
• Rush Williamson
• NCAC Vice Chairman LNT Committee
• Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Scout Liaison

2
What Are We Talking About?

• Scouting is known advocating outdoors Ethics
• BSA was one of the original five organizations
  which were members of the first LNT Board
• LNT has been formally integrated into BSA core
  values

3
BSA IS IN DEEP TROUBLE!

• Boy Scout Groups have a bad reputation with
  National and State Park Forest Rangers and Trail
  Clubs and Trail Communities
• Utah's Goblin Valley State Park Incident
• Reports of BSA Unit malfeasants on the AT has
  dramatically increase over the last two years

4
BSA IS IN DEEP TROUBLE!SOME EXAMPLES

• Two Crews, from the same unit, meet at the same
  camp site
• Shenandoah NP Numerous ticket are issued each
  year for crews not abiding the 10 person Back
  Country requirement
• Shelters in general Crews taking over shelters
• Ed Garvey Shelter Area 80 Scouts at the site and
  others camped along the AT in the area

5
BSA IS IN DEEP TROUBLE!SOME EXAMPLES

• Over 80 Scouters at Ensign Cowall Shelter
  Tickets were issued
• In Central Virginia (AT) between Tinkers Cliff
  and Dragons Tooth Major Issues !

6
WHAT IS THE RESULT?

• BSA is losing credibility with Land Managers and
  Trail Community
• Camping/hiking areas will be restricted for Scout
  use
• APPA, ATC, Trail Clubs are thinking very
  seriously thinking of instituting a group use
  permit system, Boy Scout issues is a major driver
  for the policy

7
SOLUTIONFirst LNT Principal Plan Ahead and
Prepare

• Find out what the regulations are
• A.T. LNT Brochure, A.T. LNT Group Use Brochure
  http//www.appalachiantrail.org/hiking/hiking-basi
  cs/leave-no-trace-practices
• Check Appalachian Trail (A.T.) guidebooks and
  maps for guidance
• Call ATC Visitor Desk 304-535-2667

8
SOLUTIONFirst LNT Principal Plan Ahead and
Prepare

• PATC 703-242-0693
• Rush Williamson longportage_at_comcast.net
• Shenandoah National Park 540-999-3500
• Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics
  https//lnt.org/