10 Jun Leave No Trace While Enjoying the Outdoors

Once you have planned out what to take on your New Mexico Adventure, it’s time to think through where you are going and how you will interact with the outdoors. Here are more tips to help you navigate the New Mexican Outdoors!

Properly dispose of waste– When packing for your trip to explore New Mexico be mindful of the trash you will create and how you will dispose of it. The best rule to abide by is, “pack-out what you pack-in.”  To keep your gear clean it’ i best to pack a large ziplock bag to place your trash in until it can be disposed of in a proper container.

It’s also important to be mindful of how you dispose of human and animal waste if you’re taking your furry friends along with you. Properly dispose of waste by digging a hole off the path where other hikers and bikers will not encounter it.

Leave what you find – While exploring our beautiful outdoors you’re bound to encounter some amazing artifacts and historical beauties. Be respectful of the history you encounter and do not attempt to remove or alter your findings. Leave the beauty for others to enjoy too.

Respect wildlife – New Mexico is one of the few states with an abundance of public lands that gives us an opportunity to experience a variety of wildlife living in our beautiful state. Be mindful and respectful of the wildlife you encounter. Do not attempt to pet or transport any animals. If you stumble across newborns of any kind DO NOT touch or move them in any circumstance, appreciate their beauty and move along.

We encourage you to learn more about New Mexico’s wildlife and its beautiful lands by visiting New Mexico Wildlife Magazine, published by New Mexico Game and Fish. http://magazine.wildlife.state.nm.us/search/

Minimize campfire impact – When camping or enjoying a hike it’s important to apply common sense as well as respect to the area you’re visiting. If the area you’re visiting is filled with dry vegetation, be mindful of your surroundings prior to starting a fire. A small ember can quickly ignite during our dry season. Do not create new fire pits when camping or cooking outdoors, utilize already established fire pits to ensure minimal damage to the area you are visiting. It’s also important to check the fire warnings and restrictions in your area prior to departing for your trip outdoors. You can do this by visiting – https://nmfireinfo.com/