Outdoor knowledge

What we know and learn about the outdoors is not only great for our recreation; it can make a huge difference in how we preserve these natural resources for the future.

Recent incidents are discouraging.  In early August, a tourist crashed a drone with camera into Yellowstone National Park’s world-renowned Grand Prismatic Spring, potentially damaging the algae and bacteria that contribute to its beauty. This occurred less than two months after the National Park Service banned the use of drones and small remote-controlled aircraft at all 401 national parks and monuments.

The Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park // Photo courtesy of traveller.com

Meanwhile, fire safety continues to be a critical issue for our nation’s parks and woodlands. The National Park Service says as many as 90 percent of wildfires in the United States are caused by humans, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, trash fires, and arson. The remaining 10 percent are started by lightning or lava.

Responsibility for the outdoors has been a Scouting value for more than a century.  We teach our Scouts to leave their camp areas better than they found them, conserve natural resources where possible, and follow safe procedures when building campfires. In addition, we help replant areas devastated by fires, help create wildlife habitats, and build trails that allow others to enjoy nature’s wonders. It’s an important part of our heritage.

That’s why I was encouraged by a recent column in the San Francisco Chronicle that shows others are getting on board with our principles for protecting the outdoors. The writer quoted a National Park ranger who said illegal campfires were their biggest problem, due to lack of education on fire safety. The writer went on to cite the Boy Scout Handbook as a learning resource for fire protection and safety skills, particularly for young people returning to school this fall in the Bay Area and Northern California.

I encourage all of you to find a way to promote safety wherever possible when it comes to preserving our outdoors. It’s a national treasure that’s in all of our hands to protect and grow for future generations to enjoy.

Thanks!

Wayne