Recreate Responsibly in the Era of Covid-19
As states and local communities begin to lift COVID-19 stay at home restrictions and our favorite parks, trails and public lands begin to open, it’s more important than ever to be responsible about how we recreate.
The weather’s getting warm, stay at home restrictions are starting to lift and we’ve just spent the last two months inside. We’re all eager to hit the trails, but recreating responsibly is essential to keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.
While social distancing in the great outdoors versus your local mall might seem like a great idea, you’re not the only one who has it. We’ve teamed up with organizations and brands across the outdoor industry to help you make smart decisions on recreating to keep yourself and others healthy and to keep access to our beloved public places open.
Here’s how you can #RecreateResponsibly:
1. Know Before You Go
Do your research before you head out to parks and trails. Many are still closed, have restrictions in place or are open only on a limited basis. Have a Plan B in your pocket in case your chosen trailhead or park is closed or crowded when you arrive.
2. Plan Ahead
Many facilities will be closed right now, even if the area you’re going to is open. Pack your own lunch, bring your own hand sanitizer and be self-sufficient.
3. Practice Physical Distancing
Limit your adventure buddies to those who live in your household and keep at least a six-foot distance between yourself and others when at all possible. Bring a face covering and show respect for other hikers by putting it on when others are passing you and in the parking lot. If you’re feeling sick, or have been around someone who is sick, stay at home.
4. Play it Safe
Now’s probably not the best time to get into free soloing. Slow down and choose low-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury and strain on search-and-rescue workers and health-care staff and facilities.
5. Stay Close to Home
While many parts of the country are opening up for outdoor recreation, most areas are sticking to day-use only. Avoid traveling long distances to recreate and, if you must, check guidelines for every area you’ll be driving through on the way there to make sure you’re respecting the communities nearby.
6. Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is always important but now, more than ever, it’s imperative to protect our public lands. Many places are seeing more use than normal and have fewer staff than usual to help maintain our favorite parks and trails. That means pack out all of your garbage. Learn more about Leave No Trace principles here.
Ready to #RecreateResponsibly? Learn more at www.recreateresponsibly.org and share these guidelines.