Spread Out and Leave No Trace

CREATE SPACE AND LEAVE NO TRACE

During this time of significant changes to our daily routines, it’s clear that our need for and appreciation of nature is greater than ever.

State and local parks, state forests, and trails are seeing record number of visitors.

GETTING OUTSIDE IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Outdoor activities are a great idea to relieve stress and boost immunity, but being outdoors during COVID-19 must avoid exposure to high-touch surfaces or gathering in groups with anyone outside of your immediate household -- we must spread out to keep each other safe.

Stay Calm, Stay Home, Stay Safe

The best advice to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to stay at home. Under the statewide Stay Home for Nevada initiative, children and families should only leave their residence for essential goods and services such as getting grocery or visiting the pharmacy. Only emergency responders, public health and safety workers, and other employees of designated “essential businesses” should be reporting to work or traveling far from home.   All others should stay home or stay local. 

If you have a yard, spend time there outdoors every day. Get a head start on spring yardwork, plant a garden, or keep a journal of the seasonal changes in plants, birds, and wildlife as spring arrives.  This is a great time to start a new home-based hobby. 

This is not the time for backyard gatherings with folks who are not in your immediate household.

How to Spread Out Outdoors

If possible, take a walk around your neighborhood with the people in your family, as long as you can stay six feet away from neighbors.

Engaging in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, or running is allowed if social distancing is maintained.

If you decide to leave your neighborhood, make a plan for several alternate locations, so if you arrive at your first one and there are crowds, you can move on. Also choose a less busy time of day, such as early morning.

Find a local park or trail that offers enough space for social distancing.

Check before you go, as some municipalities have closed local parks to protect visitors and employees.

If the park is open, bathrooms and water fountains likely will not be, so plan ahead.

Tips for Healthy Local Outdoor Recreation

Only recreate outdoors with people who live in your household -- not in groups.
Spread out -- if the parking lot or the trailhead is crowded, find another location or go at a less busy time of day.
Do not use playgrounds, picnic tables, or benches. They are risky because of their high-touch nature, and they are not cleaned regularly.
Follow rules for your safety and don’t take unnecessary risks.

Leave No Trace Practices are Key

Parks, trails, and wildlands are meant for public enjoyment but they’re also for conserving our natural resources.

Be respectful of our special places by practicing Leave No Trace principals:

Avoid crowded parking lots and trailheads -- find a different spot.
Use the bathroom before you visit.
Bring a bag and carry out your trash.
Even better, pick up litter left by others. Then, take it home with you, as there is limited staff emptying trash cans.
Clean up after pets and carry out the bags.

It’s also a good idea to hold off on doing a difficult rock climb, going solo backcountry trail running, or trying something new.

There is limited staff on public lands to assist. And, if you have an accident requiring a trip to the emergency room, you are adding stress to an already overtaxed health care system.

So remember, practice social distancing, respect the rules, be careful, and value our protected places.

Thank you for recreating responsibly!