 Low
Impact Kayak Touring
The wilderness
environments in which we travel are very fragile and sensitive to
our presence. Here at Northern Lights we feel it is important to
take all steps possible to limit the impact we have on the environment
and the wildlife habitats through which we journey.
Below are some
guidelines we go by and encourage all outdoor adventurers to embrace.
In general, we try to keep in mind that we are traveling in wildlife
habitat. We try to move slowly, gently and quietly, respecting the
wildlife that live there. Basically, we keep in mind we're in somebody
else's home, and try to act accordingly.
Pack
it in, pack it out
We do not count on the wilderness to supply us with the resources
we need for our trip. What we need is brought in, and what we use
is brought out. We may sample an edible plant or catch a non-threatened
species of fish, but we keep in mind that our actions can have an
impact on the environment.
Low
impact traveling
While traveling, we try to leave as minimal a trace as possible.
While hiking, we stay on the trails and avoid doing damage to the
very sensitive ecosystem through which we are traveling. The old
adage, "Take only photographs, leave only footprints"
applies, provided the footprints are only on established trails!
Waste
management
This is a key consideration in low impact kayak touring. Washing
of dishes, personal hygiene and bathroom activities can all adversely
affect the fragile environment. Whenever possible, washing and bathing
is done with plain saltwater and no soap. When soap is used, it
is a biodegradable soap, and only small amounts are used. Bathroom
activities are another important consideration. For larger groups,
we set up a single site for this, rather than all guests digging
individual holes. We customize the site by building a comfortable
toilet and enclosing the area for comfort and privacy.
Fires
We all like sitting around a campfire at the end of a great day
of paddling, but care is taken when, where and how a campfire is
made. We use only driftwood for fires. Living wood is never cut,
and even dead and fallen wood (both important parts of the ecosystem)
are left alone. The fires we make are small and are always located
on the beach, below the high water line.
Food
It's everyone's responsibility to avoid attracting animals in search
of food to our campsites. We don't want animals to think of campsites
as easy sources of food, so care is taken to keep a clean site.
Food is prepared a good distance away from the sleeping area, and
we stress that no food is to be taken to individual tents. Food
is stored in bear-proof containers, away from the sleeping area.
By
adhering to these simple guidelines, we can travel more responsibly
through pristine wilderness, helping ensure it will remain pristine
for generations to come.
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