Seven Principles of Outdoor Ethics 

Camp and travel on durable surfaces:

• Load all unit equipment in one or two cars to minimize traffic on BCMSR’s roads;
• Park all cars in designated parking spots, not in or at the campsites; and
• Arrive as early as possible to eliminate making camp in the dark.

Dispose of waste properly:

• Please sort your trash for recycling (single stream, no separation needed) and dispose of in appropriate dumpsters;
• Empty dishwater either down the sink or 200 feet away from the campsite, streams/lake and trails (strain food from water first); and
• Use latrines and bathroom facilities appropriately for disposing of human waste. Do not dispose of garbage in latrines.

Leave what you find:

• Preserve the past by observing, but do not touch cultural and historical artifacts;
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them for the next visitor; and
• Do not build structures, camp furniture or dig trenches without prior approval from camp ranger.

Minimize campfire impacts:

• Ask yourself, “Do we really need a campfire?”
• Cook in established fire circles, on unit stoves or BCMSR stoves;
• Do not create new campfire circles. Fires scorch the ground and sterilize the earth, use only existing circles; and
• Stop the spread of harmful insects. Do not bring firewood to camp from home.

Respect Wildlife:

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not approach or follow them;
• Never feed animals, it can damage their health and expose them to other dangers; and
• No pets are allowed at BCMSR.

Be considerate of other visitors:

• Respect other visitors and the quality of their outdoor experience;
• Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noise; and
• Leave your campsite as good or better for the next visitors.