Your actions on and off the river affect how people perceive boaters in their communities. Here are 10 things you can do to protect access to rivers nationally.
- 1. Drive courteously, especially in small communities.
- 2. Park in designated areas and avoid blocking driveways or traffic. Seek permission from landowners before accessing the river via private property.
- 3. Use existing trails.
- 4. Use discretion when scouting, and attempt to hike on rocks and boulders when portaging.
- 5. Dispose of human waste properly.
- 6. Maintain a low profile at access points, and remember to turn down the radio.
- 7. Pack it in – Pack it out.
- 8. Prevent ground scars by using firepans or existing firepits in designated areas.
- 9. Do all you can to protect the resource and avoid wildlife disturbance while enjoying your visit.
- 10. Join American Whitewater. Learn more about our Access & Conservation Programs and how you can resolve river access issues in your community.
American Whitewater has been honored as a partner of Leave No Trace, Inc. in 2001 for our assistance in revising the Leave No Trace Western Rivers Skills & Ethics Booklet. Learn more about Leave No Trace at www.LNT.org.