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2. Stay on the path.
Whether you are hiking, biking , driving or boating, please stay on designated routes. Motorized boats and vehicles can be particularly harmful for fragile ecosystems, so please obey all traffic laws.
3. Plan for safety.
Florida weather and wildlife are dangerous and unpredictable. Before heading outdoors, be sure that you are equipped with appropriate clothing, adverse weather gear, sunscreen, insect repellant, compass, sufficient food and water, a radio and a first aid travel kit. Learn about local wildlife, check weather reports frequently and always bring a map of trails and waterways.
4. Camp responsibly.
If you’re staying in a campground, please be sensitive to fellow campers and follow park rules regarding quiet hours. Build campfires within designated firepits and use lanterns and gas stoves instead of a campfire during restricted periods. Store food products in vehicles or in containers suspended in the air to avoid attracting wildlife.
5. Respect wildlife.
The best way to get a glimpse of wild animals is to travel quietly and carefully. Use binoculars to view wildlife from a safe distance and please do not approach or attempt to feed wildlife.
6. Leave no trace.
Show your respect for nature by helping to keep trails and waterways free of litter. Hikers and campers must “pack out” all waste, maintaining it on their person until they arrive at an appropriate waste receptacle. To help reduce waste, purchase supplies such as food and water in bulk containers that minimize packaging. When possible, collect the litter that may have been carelessly discarded by previous travelers.
7. Protect marine habitat.
If you are traveling by boat, please respect all “No Wake” zones to seagrass beds and manatees. Launch boats only in designated areas and, when you leave, remove any aquatic plants from the hull to avoid spreading invasive species. Travel in deep channels to avoid disturbing manatees. If you see a manatee, maintain at least 50 feet of distance. Please report injured sea mammals, manatees or sea turtles to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement: 888-404-FWCC [3922]
8. Fuel your boat safely.
If you own a motorized boat, check the engine regularly for leaks and replace cracked fuel lines to avoid toxic fuel or oil spills. Just one pint of oil can cause a slick across one acre of water. Fuel your boat on land, rather than in the water, to help reduce contamination. Fuel or oil spills must be immediately reported to the Coast Guard: 305 -535-8705 or Department of Emergency Management: 800-320-0519.
9. Practice safe and responsible backcountry hiking.
Backcountry areas are those that do not have established trails or facilities. To travel into the backcountry, you must first consult with park officials or property owners to obtain permission. Backcountry groups should be limited to six people and must take care to plan their trip carefully and carry appropriate supplies and safety gear.
10. Travel lightly in wilderness areas.
Where trails are not available, it is preferable to travel on undisturbed ground, rather than through areas that already show signs of disturbance. Backcountry hikers should set up camp on “durable” surfaces such as rocks, open ground or dry fields, maintaining at least 200 feet from waterways. Human wastes must be buried six to eight inches underground and 200 feet from trails, campsites or waterways.
11. Learn about endangered species.
Florida is host to a number of endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee and the Florida panther. Other wildlife species are listed as “threatened” due to their declining populations, including the gopher tortoise, Florida scrub jay, indigo snake, American alligator and bald eagle. Learn about endangered species needs and take care to avoid disturbing their fragile habitat.
For more information: Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics |