Practice “No Trace” [PDF 1.2MB] camping and hiking. Pack out what you pack in. Take only pictures and leave only
footprints.
The pit toilets in the campsites work on a composting system. The maximum
composting season is a short 2-3 months. This is due to the long periods of cold temperatures experienced in the sub alpine and alpine environments. Only human waste and organic materials that can be broken down quickly hould be deposited in the pit toilets. Soaps should
not be deposited into the pit toilets as it destroys the bacteria that aid in decomposition. Garbage and feminine protection will
not decompose, so it is essential that those items be packed out.
Outside of the campsites pit toilets are not provided. Please observe the backcountry technique of digging cat holes for human waste. Find a suitable location away from bodies of water, and a minimum of 10 m from well traveled areas. Using the toe and heal of your boot scrape a hole 4
to 6 inches deep (some
people prefer to use a small
garden shovel). Do what comes natural
and cover
the cat hole over ensuring that
the toilet paper is covered over
completely. This will ensure
that decomposition time is increased
and unsightly waste and toilet
paper is disposed
of appropriately. Garbage and
feminine protection will not decompose,
so it is essential
that those items be packed out.
Fires
are only permitted in the fire rings provided, which
are located at Quiniscoe Lake.
Never leave
your fire unattended, even
a small or a smoldering fire
can spread. Always be sure
to extinguish
it completely when you leave
your campsite. Fire rings are
not
to be used as a receptacle
for your garbage that
you plan to burn later. Garbage
must be stored with your food
in a sealed container,
i.e.: Ziploc bags, away from
animals. Otherwise, the garbage
is spread
by animals looking for a free
meal or by the wind.
The lakes
and streams are our only source of drinking
water. Please follow some
simple steps
to ensure
that we maintain the
highest water quality possible
for all visitors. When washing
yourself or your dishes,
dip water
out
of the lake, using a clean
container, and move 30 m
(50 ft) away, so
you do not to contaminate
the drinking water source. Dispose
of used water
by throwing it over a large
area, away from your site,
the sites of others, or
flowing or standing water.
Swimming in the lakes is
permitted, however,
please do not
use soap!
The alpine
is a very sensitive area, mainly due to its
very short growing season (2-3
months). To
reduce the amount of impact,
stay on designated trails,
especially where there
are switchbacks. Short
cutting a switchback will increase
erosion by water, and
will destroy a slope, causing
the trails to become muddy
in the spring
and difficult to follow.
Also, walking single-file
will
reduce trail braiding (more
than one path on a trail).
Cathedral
Park supports a diverse Ecosystem.
Many species of plants
and animals you will
see depend on each other for
their
survival through the
long harsh winters. For this
reason, it is necessary
that the wild flowers
and trees
remain
undamaged,
and
that you do not feed
the animals when visiting the
park. Feeding
the animals and damaging
the plants will only
hamper their
efforts
to collect and store
their natural foods. In effect
you are breaking the
chain that has existed for centuries.
Tent
pads were constructed to minimize the impact
of camping enjoyed
by thousands of visitors
in a
few short summer months.
Efforts are being made
to
re-vegetate the surrounding
area and campsites,
to provide an aesthetically
pleasing environment
for
visitors. Please cooperate
and participate with
our efforts by using
only the
main trails and respecting
our attempts
at re-vegetating
areas as indicated
by a sign or
a rope throughout the
park.
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