Sep 2008

Wrapping up the look at Leave No Trace principles, the last two deal with respect. Respecting wildlife and being considerate of others go hand-in-hand. For wildlife, the best advice is to keep a safe distance. Do not feed animals or leave food behind. As Boy Scouts put it, “Keep wildlife wild.” Being considerate of others basically means keeping noise and distractions to a minimum so others can enjoy the peace and solitude offered by the great outdoors – and the varied habitats and environments found at the Alabama Gulf Coast.

More Leave No Trace details: The third principle, dispose of waste properly, is more complicated than it sounds. There are specifics on how and where to bury waste, plus details on when to do this and when to carry out what you carry in. It's a good idea to research this. Leave what you find, the fourth principle, is more straightforward. Don't pick flowers, gather rocks or bring home “souvenirs.” It's not only bad for the environment, it could be illegal. The fifth item, minimize campfire impacts, refers to more than the danger of wildfires. Even small fires can cause harm to the area where they are built. Camp stoves are the preferred tool for cooking. If a campfire is essential, it should be small, should be built in an established area and should use only dead wood found on the ground.

As promised, here's a closer look at the Leave No Trace principles and what they mean. The first, plan ahead and prepare, seems pretty straightforward. But what should you plan and prepare? Boy Scouts, who adhere to the principles, are taught to find out about the area where they are hiking as well as about members of the group. Novice hikers will have a much different set of skills than experienced ones, so know what to expect out of the group so you can plan stops in designated areas instead of having to set up camp in a less-than-ideal site. Also, planning foods can help minimize what you'll have to carry as well as what trash will be left. The second principle, travel and camp on durable surfaces, means hikers should keep to established trails and use campsites that others have used. As one outdoors group states it, “The best campsites are found, not made.”

To be good stewards of the environment, visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast who want to take a walk on the wild side need to do a bit of advance planning. If you intend to hike while visiting Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines – not rules – were developed almost 50 years ago by various federal agencies overseeing the country's natural resources. Here's a look at the principles: First, plan ahead and prepare. Second, travel and camp on durable surfaces. Third, dispose of waste properly. Fourth, leave what you find. Fifth, minimize campfire impacts. Sixth, respect wildlife. Seventh, be considerate of other visitors. Some other these principles are pretty straight-forward; others might need a bit of explaining. Tune in tomorrow ...

OK, time to pack for the trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast. Swimwear? Check. Beach towels? Check. Hiking shoes? Check! While it's great to hit the beaches in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach bare of foot so that you can wiggle your toes in the sugary sands or dip them in the warm waters of the Gulf, there are compelling reasons to bring along sturdy, comfortable shoes that will allow for lots of walking. In addition to comfy shoes for lots of shopping, consider bringing along footwear – and other accessories – to take advantage of the miles upon miles of trails in the area. The Alabama Gulf Coast is home to sanctuaries for birds, animals and endangered species, not to mention a spectacular array of plants. Even late in the year – through October, for certain – there are all sorts of flowers and plants displaying colors so brilliant they look surreal. Some of them can be soon only by hitting a trail, so lace up those shoes and hit the (off) road!