As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest and the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experiences for all visitors.

For a more detailed guide for safety and ethics, please visit Know Before You Go.

Safety First

Please be aware of these rules and guidelines because many unexpected situations can present difficult challenges for forest visitors.

Be well informed and prepared for your next visit to the forest.

General Safety

• Leave a written itinerary

  Leave your schedule with a responsible person. Include details such as: where you are going, and when you will return. The sooner someone knows you’re missing, the sooner they will start to look for you.

• Bring proper clothing

  Prepare for any and all the environmental extremes you may encounter such as: heat, rain, cold, etc.

• Carry matches or a lighter

  With either of these items you can keep warm and cook your dinner!

• Bring a space blanket or plastic garbage bag

  These items can fold up, making them easy to carry. They can also serve multiple purposes such as being used as: a rain shelter, shade, or just to keep you warm and dry.

• Remember the water!

  Always carry some. Know how to find it and know how to make it as safe as possible to drink.

• Pack a safety whistle

  A whistle is louder than a voice and takes less energy to use. It will help others to locate you if you are lost and can be used to scare away animals.

• Carry a stocked first aid kit

  This is an important item that you should carry with you. The size of the kit can vary from a small box to something that would require a donkey to carry it. Choose items that are versatile such as: a wide variety of adhesive bandages, gauze, and strips of tape. These can all be adapted to fit many sizes.

Physical Safety

• Know your physical limitations

  If your daily activity is low, then don’t take off on a very long hike. You are liable to get into trouble and your body won’t handle the strain very well.

• Travel with at least one companion

  It makes your journey more enjoyable when you share it with someone, and if you get into trouble a companion can help.

• Have the skills you need

  It's easy to get lost, knowing where you are is key. The best course of action is to follow a trail on a map. It's useful to know how to navigate with a compass. Try not to rely heavily on your GPS because it might break down.

Lost Safety

• Once you think you’re lost, Stay in one place.

  By staying in one place, you’ll be found more quickly, and will not be injured in a fall.

• Stand up, and Stand out

  Wear bright colored clothes when you go near the woods or desert. Find a tree in a small clearing if possible.

• Carry a trash bag and whistle on all outdoor trips

  Make a hole in the bag to put over your head, it will keep you warm and dry. The whistle is louder than your voice and takes less energy to use.

• Animals in the forest don’t want to hurt you

  If you hear a noise in the night, yell at it or blow your whistle. If it is an animal it will run away to protect itself. If it is a searcher, you will be found.

• Remember your family won’t be angry with you for getting lost

  Children have avoided searchers because they were ashamed of getting lost and afraid of punishment. Anyone can get lost. If kids know a happy reunion, filled with love is waiting, they will be less frightened, less prone to panic and work hard to be found.

Ethics

It is every individual’s responsibility to preserve and protect federal lands for future generations. We all can do our part to keep public lands clean and beautiful.

• Leave no trace

  When recreating outdoors enjoy the environment without changing or damaging it.

  For more information, please visit Leave No Trace.

• Respect wildlife

  Appreciate and observe wildlife from a safe distance. Don’t feed, chase or disturb wildlife. In nature, humans are the visitors.

• Prevent forest fires

  Nationally, nine out of ten fires are caused by people. Carry a valid campfire permit and observe current fire restrictions. Drown your campfire with water before leaving it unattended.

  Obtain a valid campfire permit

Last But Not Least...

Our final rule: Enjoy your visit! Plan to come back!