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Hiking: Difference between revisions
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== Ecological impact of hiking == | == Ecological impact of hiking == | ||
Hikers often seek beautiful environments in which to hike. Ironically, these environments are often fragile: hikers may accidentally destroy the environment that they enjoy. The action of an individual may not strongly affect the environment. However, the mass effect of a large number of hikers can degrade the environment. For example, gathering wood in an [[alpine climate|alpine]] area to start a fire may be harmless once (except for | Hikers often seek beautiful environments in which to hike. Ironically, these environments are often fragile: hikers may accidentally destroy the environment that they enjoy. The action of an individual may not strongly affect the environment. However, the mass effect of a large number of hikers can degrade the environment. For example, gathering wood in an [[alpine climate|alpine]] area to start a fire may be harmless once (except for wildfire risk). Years of gathering wood, however, can strip an alpine area of valuable nutrients. | ||
Generally, protected areas such as parks have regulations in place to protect the environment. If hikers follow such regulations, their impact can be minimized. Such regulations include forbidding wood fires, restricting [[camping]] to established camp sites, disposing or packing out [[human feces#Feces disposal|fecal matter]], imposing a quota on the number of hikers per day. | Generally, protected areas such as parks have regulations in place to protect the environment. If hikers follow such regulations, their impact can be minimized. Such regulations include forbidding wood fires, restricting [[camping]] to established camp sites, disposing or packing out [[human feces#Feces disposal|fecal matter]], imposing a quota on the number of hikers per day. | ||
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Sometimes, hikers enjoy viewing rare or endangered species. However, some species (such as [[marten]]s or [[bighorn sheep]]) are very sensitive to the presence of humans, especially around mating season. Hikers should learn the habits and habitats of the endangered species, in order to avoid adverse impact. | Sometimes, hikers enjoy viewing rare or endangered species. However, some species (such as [[marten]]s or [[bighorn sheep]]) are very sensitive to the presence of humans, especially around mating season. Hikers should learn the habits and habitats of the endangered species, in order to avoid adverse impact. | ||
There is one situation where an individual hiker can make a large impact on an ecosystem: inadvertently starting a | There is one situation where an individual hiker can make a large impact on an ecosystem: inadvertently starting a wildfire. For example, in [[2005]], a [[Czech people|Czech]] backpacker burned 7% of [[Torres del Paine]] National Park in Chile by knocking over an illegal gas [[portable stove]]. Obeying area regulations and setting up cooking devices on bare ground will reduce the risk of wildfire. | ||
== Etiquette of hiking == | == Etiquette of hiking == | ||
