Spring is in full bloom and summer is just around the corner…that means it’s time to get outside and play! One of our favorite activities to do in the summer is go whitewater rafting! Floating rivers is a unique way to enjoy the outdoors and we think it is an adventure not to be missed. Something about the river inspires us to contemplate beauty, creation, and the power of nature. Perhaps it is the unrelenting flow of moving water, the turbulent rapids that provide an irresistible challenge, or the serene wild setting that stimulates thoughtfulness. Whatever it is, the river always encourages us to come back for more and we know we are not alone!

As the spring rains fall and the summer temperatures begin to melt the snowy mountain peaks, more of us will be heading to the river in search of beauty, solitude, excitement, and a sense of connection with our surroundings. River corridors have always provided an ideal channel for exploring America’s wild places. From a raft, kayak, or canoe adrift on the water, a river traveler can observe wildlife from a remarkable perspective, witness millions of years of geologic evidence, or experience the rush of paddling through a raging rapid. Unfortunately, human impact is more concentrated in river corridors than in many other ecosystems. Even though we leave little or no impact on the water when we travel over it, our impacts on the riverbanks can be significant; making it imperative that we learn how to preserve these waterways and the habitats adjoining them.

In order to minimize our cumulative impact on the rivers we enjoy, we need to practice Leave No Trace. By following some very simple recommendations, paddlers can virtually eliminate any direct impacts to the river environment that they might have and the signs of human presence on a river canyon can greatly be reduced. We ask those planning river adventures this summer to please use the following guidelines and techniques to help us protect our stunning river corridors, so that we may continue to play on the powerful and inspiring waterways that flow across our beautiful country.

Leave No Trace Practices for River Corridors:

Plan Ahead and Prepare – Learn about river-specific issues, regulations and permits. Know river skills and carry the necessary equipment to enjoy the river safely. Schedule your trip so that you encounter appropriate river flows for your group's ability. Repackage food to minimize waste.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Durable surfaces include water, rock, gravel and sand. Focus activity where vegetation is absent. Leave put-ins, take-outs and campsites clean and natural looking.

Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack it in, pack it out. Generally, the best practice is to pack out human waste. Liquid wastes can be dumped into the main current in many high volume (over 500 cfs) rivers. In low volume rivers, scatter liquid waste 200 ft. from water, away from camps and trails. Always check local regulations.

Leave What You Find – Appreciate ancient structures, artifacts, rock art and other natural objects but leave them undisturbed. Avoid introducing non-native or invasive species by cleaning equipment between trips.

Minimize Campfire Impacts – Carry a fire pan or build a mound fire. Consider using stoves for cooking. Learn about local fire regulations. Use dead and downed wood no larger than an adult's wrist to keep the fire small. Burn all wood and charcoal to ash. Carry out ash with other garbage.

Respect Wildlife – Observe wildlife from a distance. Avoid feeding wildlife and always properly store food and trash. Control pets or leave them at home.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Respect other visitors and the quality of their experience. Communicate with other river users about your floating and camping plans to avoid conflicts. Let nature's sounds prevail.

During your summer adventures, always be mindful of your impact and what you leave behind. You are the host for those who will come after you.

Ninjas for Nature - dani & roland