Time to wake up!
We need to get our shit together. Probably in more ways than one. But for now, let’s just focus on one – the trashing of our public lands with garbage and human waste; the lands managed primarily by the Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service.
These lands, which belong to all Americans, are being used by more people than ever before. We visit and use these lands for many reasons, including scenery and high quality water. This use sky-rocketed this past year as the COVID19 pandemic progressed; beginning last spring, escalating through summer and into fall, and then easing somewhat through winter (except at winter sports sites).
But spring has sprung again! And with it, I am sad to say, a need to reiterate WE NEED TO GET OUR SHIT TOGETHER!
Would you do this in your backyard?
Our public land managers and decision makers are wondering if the upcoming year will be a repeat of the past year. And with it an overwhelming discard of trash, left behind as scattered areas of litter or piled high at overwhelmed trash collection bins.
I certainly hope not.
These lands to which I refer belong to YOU. Yet some of our fellow citizens choose to trash them. I fail to understand why because I doubt such folks do the same in their backyard (but then ASSUME does mean “make an ass of you and me”).
(Photograph copied from the news article in the “trash them” link above)
I can understand occasional litter inadvertently flying out the back of a pickup truck bouncing down a gravel road or two-track. But I can’t understand someone in that pickup getting out and walking a few feet into the brush, doing their business, then leaving a pile of poop and/or toilet paper on the ground. Why not dig a cat hole for the poop and fold up the toilet paper and discard properly?
I can understand pulling up to a trash receptacle and throwing away a bag of garbage if there’s room, but I can’t understand throwing the bag on the pile if the receptacle is full. Why not hold on to the bag until a less full receptacle is found or take it home and discard accordingly?
I can understand the enjoyment that comes with standing around a campfire with friends and family, a beer in hand. But I can’t understand throwing the empty beer can into the fire pit, especially if car or truck camping, or using livestock to transport gear. Why not live by the mantra “pack it in, pack it out”?
You fill in the blanks…
I can understand… I can’t understand… You fill in the blanks based on your public land experiences. And share your “trashy” experiences with a comment to this post.
Until the next time, enjoy and be thankful for your public lands, properly dispose of your garbage and human waste, and play by the rules in place for the lands you visit. The rules do vary so be sure to track them down before you head out. An easy way to do that is visit the links in the opening paragraph of this blog and navigate to the specific lands you plan to visit.
Cheers…
And Happy Spring!!!