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Outdoor Safety & Ethics
Know Before You Go Into The Forest
Spending time outdoors is a healthy way to stay active, bond with your family, and reduce stress and anxiety. However, it’s now more important than ever for all of us to take personal responsibility in keeping ourselves and our favorite outdoor places safe.
In addition to respecting local guidelines, restrictions, and closures and maintaining social distancing to fend off COVID-19’s spread, there are a variety of ways to stay safe. Follow the tenants of Know Before You Go, Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace. Make sure to pack safety equipment such as life jackets, climbing gear, helmets, etc. so that when you recreate on National Forest System lands, you are protected.
Pay special attention to local regulations so that you are aware of restrictions on fire, activities, and even pets. Above all else, leave our precious recreation spots better than you found it by disposing all waste properly, minimizing campfire impacts, and being considerate of others. View the resources below to explore other ways you and your family can be safe and ethical while enjoying the outdoors.
Check out current conditions information regarding water, weather, fire and emergencies.
Outdoor Safety and Ethics Resources
Select the headings below for more information.
Being in the forest using any flames or heat source can be tricky. Whether it's using your stoves, charcoal briquettes, smoking or burning any forest litter or campfires it's best to exercise caution especially if it's a windy day. Learn more on the Fire Safety webpage.
Your national forests and grasslands in the Intermountain Region provide a natural arena for a wide variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities. Some sites require a modest recreation fee to help provide the services and facilities at the site. To help you get the most of your experience, please review the etiquette tips and rules below. Read the General Rules Overview page for more information.
When recreating in the forest as in hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding and more learn some safe tips by reading more on the Recreating Outdoors webpage. Just remember if you go hiking or backpacking along please let someone know your itinerary so that rescuers know where to start looking if you become lost or injured.
Our national forests provide habitat for wildlife, including animals like bears and venomous snakes. Animals that live in this forest are wild, even though they may look or act tame. Wildlife experts recommend keeping at least 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards from other large animals. More details about our furry friends are found on the Wildlife Safety webpage.
Part of a good checklist when preparing to go out into the forest is a check of the weather. Knowing the possible hazards like flash floods, lightning, extreme heat or cold and more will help keep you safe and for any situation that may arise. Learn more on the Weather Safety webpage.