![]() Where water is plentiful, consider diluting the urine by adding water to the site Animals sometimes defoliate plants to consume the salt in urine, so urinate on rocks or bare ground rather than on the vegetation. In this way, wildlife is not attracted close to camp. Disperse dishwater and toothpaste, and urinate well away (at least 100 feet) from shelters and popular campsites.Avoid polluting the water by rinsing off at a distance to remove your excess sunscreen, bug repellent, etc., before going for a swim in a lake or stream Wash dishes, bodies, and clothing 200 feet away from water sources.Animals’ curiosity often brings toilet paper and other trash to the surface, where it’s left for volunteers and other hikers to deal with For those willing to go the extra mile, consider packing out your toiler paper too. Note that most disposable wipes are made from non-biodegradable material that must be carried out rather than buried, burned, or left in privies.Don’t hide your waste under a rock – this slows its decomposition Push toilet paper to the bottom of the hole, and leave your stick in the hole. Add dirt to the hole, and stir with a stick to promote decomposition. If there is no privy, dispose of human waste by burying it in a “cat-hole,” a hole 6-8 inches deep, 4-6 inches wide and at least 200 feet (80 steps) from campsites, water sources and shelters, and well away from trails. Use the privy for human waste only (feces).Keep your trash bag handy so you can pick up litter left by others This includes cigarette butts, fruit peels, and hygiene articles. “Pack it in, Pack it out.” Don’t burn, bury, or leave litter or extra food.If you are planning a northbound thru-hike, avoid starting on March 1, March 15, the first day of spring, or April 1 Learn when areas are most crowded and try to avoid those times.Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies – especially the cold – to avoid impacts from searches, rescues, and campfires.Repackage food in re-sealable bags to minimize waste. ![]() Or, carry a bear-resistant food container (“bear canister”) to store these items Bring a waterproof bag and at least 50 feet of rope to hang food and other scented articles.Bring a piece of screening to filter food scraps from your dishwater and pack them out with you.Bring a lightweight trowel or wide tent stake to dig a hole for burying human waste.If you are traveling in a group of more than 5, avoid using shelters, leaving them for lone hikers and smaller groups Check Appalachian Trail (A.T.) guidebooks and maps for guidance and note that camping regulations vary considerably along the Trail.Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
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