One of the things I enjoy about the wilderness experience is
that it causes us to think and reflect about things that we take for granted.
When we are at home in the urban setting our waste seemingly disappears:
Go to the bathroom, flush the toilet and your worries are
gone.
Just remember to take your trash to the curb once a week and
everyone is happy.
But, in the wilderness our waste becomes something that we
must take more of a conscious effort to dispose of because, of course, there is
no sewer system or a trash service. In fact, the Wilderness Act defines a
wilderness, in part, as a place that is undeveloped and is to be preserved as a
place that is free from the work of mankind.
Lately, I’ve been noticing an issue with human waste
disposal. That is to say, I’ve been finding exposed human and dog turds near
campsites, creeks and trails. This is extremely disgusting, has the potential
to be a public health issue and is completely unnecessary.
For example, the picture below is where I found an exposed
turd the other week. Notice it’s proximity to the camping areas and creek? This
is NOT acceptable.
Or check out these turds – on the trail:
The 4 goals with human waste disposal in the backcountry
where there are no toilets available (i.e. all of the King Range
1. Maximize decomposition
2. Minimize contact with animals/insects
3. Eliminate contact with drinking water sources
4. Minimize social impacts
So, how do we accomplish these goals?
BURY YOUR WASTE at
least 200 feet (70 paces) from campsites, trails, and drinking water
sources (creeks, lakes, etc).
However, when you are on the Lost Coast Trail in the King Range NCA
you will not find a place to
accomplish this on about 90% + of the trail because of the steep terrain that
hugs the coast:
For this reason we ask that you dispose of your solid human waste in the wet sand near the ocean
(intertidal zone) or as close to the wet sand as you can safely get. Dig a hole
at least 6-8 inches, make your deposit, and cover it up. (The ocean is not a drinking water source).
Upon the next high tide your waste will be obliterated.
Problem solved.
Now, many folks may be a bit bashful about squatting “out in
the open” on the beach. But, in my years of doing just that I have found that
privacy has not been an issue. If I’m camped near a creek all I need is a few
minutes to walk north or south on the beach to find a corner I can go around
and usually a rock, log, or a dip in the sand to crouch behind.
You can put your toilet paper in the hole too but if you can
manage to pack it out then that is even better. ALL feminine hygiene products
(e.g. tampons, etc.) must ALWAYS be packed out.
Wherever you are – on the coast or inland – you must dig a
hole for your waste. Putting a rock on top is not burying it! Think about it
this way: you should feel comfortable sitting on top of where you just made
your deposit – it should be that well buried. Also, there is no need to leave
toilet paper exposed (I’m not sure what the reasoning with this trend is). If
it’s a warning you’d be much better off just BURYING your waste – all of it. No warning required.
Please keep in mind that you are not the only person
visiting these remote areas. In fact, on the Lost Coast Trail, there will be
people camping at many of the established sites nearly every night throughout
the summer.
So please, respect the
wilderness and respect everyone else that will be visiting after you.
There were people here before you and there will be people
here after you.
If you have any questions send me an e-mail or give me a
call:
707-986-5405
Your Wilderness Ranger,
Paul Sever
