gotta go!
in
desert
& alpine areas
desert
& alpine areas
WHEN to Pack It Out
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Learn to identify living biological crust for your next trip to avoid stepping on this slow-growing formation important to desert ecosystems.
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ResourcesRead this article to learn How to Poop (Almost) Anywhere With a WAG bag. |
1. PREPARE BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Use your WAG bag or other portable toilet system to pack out poop and toilet paper when you are away from a bathroom.
Dispose of your WAG bag in a trash can after your trip. If you use another method to pack out your waste, dispose of or wash out your toilet system properly. |
Research shows that in desert environments, decomposition of human waste occurs very slowly and bacteria can survive up to a year due to the dry climate. Over 100 bacteria, protozoans, and viruses are potentially present in human poop and are capable of causing illness (Cowgill, 1971). Soil helps to filter pathogens out of human waste. Therefore, if little or no soil is present, pathogens can remain in human waste for a long period of time potentially, causing water pollution and illness in humans and wildlife.
In addition, deserts are fragile environments that often contain living biological crust. One step or hole in this living crust can take decades to repair (Belnap, 1993). |
For more information on how human waste impacts desert environments, see this research article: Wildland Recreation and Human Waste: A Review of Problems, Practices, and Concerns.
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Alpine environments are primarily made up of rock or shallow soil supporting fragile plant communities. This prevents proper burial of waste and toilet paper. Scientists found that toilet paper does not break down in alpine environments, even when placed under rocks. An experiment showed that after two years, toilet paper still had not decomposed (Bridle and Kirkpatrick, 2005). It is important to pack out waste and toilet paper in alpine environments to avoid damaging the fragile environment, discovery of waste by humans or animals, spread of pathogens, and water pollution.
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For more information on how human waste impacts alpine environments, see this research article: Wildland Recreation and Human Waste: A Review of Problems, Practices, and Concerns.
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Useful VideosWatch this video by Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for step-by-step instructions on how to use a WAG bag.
Have a fear of packing out? Watch this video by Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for instructions on how to create a FOPO bag to pack out toilet paper and personal care products.
Urine has little direct effect on vegetation or soil. In some instances, urine may draw wildlife which are attracted to the salts. They can damage plants and dig up soil. Urinating on rocks, pine needles, and gravel is less likely to attract wildlife. Diluting urine with water from a water bottle can help minimize negative effects. Another minimal impact technique for peeing in the outdoors is to use a pee rag. Watch this video by Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to learn how to use a pee rag. |
Useful WebsitesLeave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Best Gear for Going Poo in the Woods |
Utah State University Extension Water Quality
Utah Division of Water Quality Utah Water Quality Task Force Southeast Utah Health Department Recommendations and information provided on this website were adapted from Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. |