Since March 2020, many things have changed, hopefully on a temporary basis. These things have caused people to find other things to do. With malls, movie theaters, restaurants, clubs and bars closed, or open on very limited basis, folks found their way to the outdoors. Which I believe people discovering nature for the very first time is a good thing.

However, challenges have developed with more visitors learning about and discovering nature. I believe with every challenge there is a solution. Just a few short months ago, I was on a muzzleloader elk hunt and was very shocked on the number of non-hunters in the area. Along with many visitors, trash was a major problem.

As it turns out, my hunt was less about elk hunting (because there were so many people in the area that I didn’t even hear a bugle) and more about collecting trash left behind by others. After four days of hunting, I packed out enough trash to fill a 33 gallon trash bag. This led me to think that as a steward of the land, I need to lead by example. We all need to lead by example. So I put together a Challenge/Solution list that I believe will be helpful for all of us to use welcoming the new land and wildlife visitors as it seems that folks will continue to enjoy the great outdoors now more than ever.

Challenge 1

Since about March of 2020, state and federal agencies that manage our forests, parks, and wildlife were forced to work from home. This has led to fewer person-to-person contact from wildlife educators, rangers, and volunteers to greet the new visitors.

Solution 1

This is simple, really. Lead by example. Friendly education; say hello and have an educational conversation.

Challenge 2

Areas being overwhelmed (Carrying Capacity Crisis in many areas). Places being loved to death.

Solution 2

We need to help the new visitors learn about other places to visit. It is very easy to do a search online and find poplar places to recreate outdoors. I have actually noticed this in an area I like to fly fish. Many people swimming, canoeing and tubing and fishing. I think this is awesome that folks are doing this, however, that particular area was being loved to death. I decided to strike up a conversation with some folks and share some of the other area they can visit. No, I was not chasing people away from a place I like to fish. I simply gave them an option for their next adventure.

Challenge 3

Trash… and a lot of it!

Solution 3

Lead by example. When people see you picking up trash, I believe they are less likely to drop something on the ground. I believe by this simple observation, they will be more aware of what they are doing and may even pick up some trash they discover on their adventure. If we even take a moment and let folks know the dangers of trash to the land and wildlife, they will not likely just toss it on the ground. I have even noticed that with the reduction of state and federal staff in the field, trash cans at trailheads and parking lots are becoming overwhelmed. Again, lead by example, pack it out and home.

Resources

1. You – Share your passion for the outdoors. Lead by example!

2. State and federal websites – Share your knowledge of the great resources and suggest our new visitors to explore this sites.

3. Leave No Trace – This is a great website to help educates people to care for the outdoors. Visit https://lnt.org for more information.

I hope if each one of us reaches out to a new visitor, greets them and shares some education, we will continue to enjoy the great outdoors for generations to come. Lead by example!

- Tony Dymek, Fall Obsession Field Staff