An increasing number of people seeking to enjoy the backcountry means that we have to exert a conscious effort to protect our environment. British Columbia's wilderness areas are a popular destination for both BC residents and visitors. Popularity has its drawbacks though. Over-use and improper travelling and camping practices in the backcountry have led to damage to the natural environment and unfulfilled wilderness recreation experiences. To retain the high quality of our wilderness experiences, we all must accept responsibility for minimizing our impact.

Special care must be taken in alpine and sub-alpine areas. These are among the most fragile because of severe conditions and a short growing season. To preserve this pristine wilderness, it is important to hike on designated trails, put up your tent on the tent pads provided and use a backpacking stove for cooking rather than an open fire.

Taking pets into the backcountry, especially dogs, is not recommended. Although some people feel that their pet is a part of the family, they can disturb other campers, foul trails and aggravate wildlife.

Everyone who uses the backcountry must strive for "no trace camping". In other words, when camp is broken, there should be absolutely no sign of human use.

• "IF YOU PACK IT IN……PACK IT OUT" - Take along a garbage bag and carry out all trash that you generate including biodegradable scraps such as apple cores, orange peels, etc.
• Use gas stoves for cooking and pay particular attention to what you do in and around your campsite.
  • Boil or filter and treat water before drinking it.
  • Wash your hand before preparing food.
  • If there is no outhouse provided, burying your waste in a shallow hole is the best disposal method. The hole should be located at least 200 feet from any water sources, campsites, and trails.
  • Pack out all toilet paper, tampons and disposable diapers or use a natural wiping alternative such as snow, leaves, or river stones.
  • Avoid urinating on plants because animals are attracted to the salty liquid.
  • Any washing activities should take place at least 200 feet from natural water sources and, if you use soap, make sure it is phosphate free and biodegradable.
  • Minimize tooth brushing impact by using salt or baking soda instead of toothpaste.

Take your photos and memories home with you - but please leave the park with no trace of your visit, so that others may also enjoy our protected areas.

Click here for a Provincial Emergency Program Trip Plan for Outdoor Survival checklist.

Trash is one of the most visible kinds of pollution in our aquatic environment. There is an amazing range of litter on our shorelines - plastics, discarded nets, styrofoam, cans, garbage bags, bottles, oils, detergents, sewage and other potentially harmful products carelessly discharged into the water. Fish, seabirds, shellfish and other forms of aquatic life require a balance of nutrients, oxygen and clean water to survive. Here are some suggestions for preventing the kind of pollution that often ends up in the water:

• Don't dump garbage or discharge pollutants in our waters.
• Dispose of trash in port or take it home.
• Don't pump your sewage overboard in anchorages, marinas or swimming areas.
• Use bilge cloths or pillows to collect engine oil, fuel, transmission fluid and other pollutants.
• Never fill portable fuel tanks on board.
• Consider not using anti-fouling paints.
• Don't burn driftwood from salt water as this produces toxic air emissions.
• Do not go onto bird rookeries
• Observe seals, otters, whales and sea lions from a distance.
• Kayakers please use toilet facilities where available. In undeveloped areas, plan to pack out your waste or practice no trace camping.

Remember to follow the "no trace camping" guidelines as mentioned above.

 

• Conservation Management
• Ecological Reserves
• Conservation Information
• Mountain Pine Beetles
• Wildfire Response and Recovery
• British Columbia Heritage Rivers System
• Conservation Lands and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)