Enjoy the Outdoors

Is your dog up to it physically? In an outdoor environment, your dog will most likely experience an increase in his physical activity, and the terrain may be dramatically different from what he's used to (steep hills, rocky paths, etc.)

Consider his personality. While you might not be bothered by your dog's early morning barking, your fellow campers might be.

Make sure vaccinations are up to date. Talk to your vet about giving your dog a lyme vaccination in case he comes in contact with ticks, or heartworm medication.

Bring the leash. There will be times when you need to keep your dog on a leash, especially when you're in a developed recreation site, close to other campers, or in an area where your dog could wander off a path and encounter less than friendly wildlife.

If you're hiking in terrain with cliffs, canyons, big rocks or other challenging conditions, it may be safest to attach the leash to a sturdy harness instead of to a neck collar.

Many dogs have no concept of heights.

Keep your dog close to you.

Make sure your dog has his identification tags, and bring along a recent photo should you need it in the event your dog goes missing.

Carry a pet first aid kit, and be prepared for medical emergencies, including snake bites.

• Make sure you pack plenty of water.
• Bring along your dog's brush or comb and groom your dog, checking carefully for ticks.
• Bring your vet’s phone number, and the number of a vet that's close to your camping area.
• Pack plenty of plastic bags so you can clean up after your dog.
• Never leave your dog outside alone.
• Don't leave your dog's food out in the open when he's not eating it. It could attract unwanted insects or wildlife.
• Keep your dog quiet. Frequent and continued barking disturbs the wildlife and other campers.
• Try to get a site with some shade for your dog.

Note: Our national forests provide habitat for many wild animals, including dangerous animals like bears and venomous snakes. Always keep your distance; wild animals can be upset by human presence and can unexpectedly become aggressive. Keep your dog on a leash. Your safety is your responsibility.

• Clean up after your animals.
• Keep them on a leash or lead.
• Give larger animals right of way.
• Do not let your animal disturb wildlife or others.
• Keep them on the trails.

• Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight left to check over the entire campsite and to set-up camp.
• Keep water nearby for emergencies.
• Dispose of all trash properly in the proper recycling bins if available.
• Return the campsite to its original condition for the next camper if you disturb it in any way.
• Please don't camp near the edge of cliffs. They are very dangerous and you could easily fall after dark.
• Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches that could fall or are hung low.
• Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Check for areas that could flood or become extremely muddy and cause problems.
• Check for potential hazards at the campsite such as: poison ivy, bees, ants, sharp objects and other dangerous areas.

Fire is of prime concern at the campsite. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically.  When ever a fire is lit at the campsite be sure that someone is assigned to watch it at all times.

General

• Be sure that when you put the fire out you use water and soil and be certain that the fire is completely out, cool to the touch.
• Embers buried within the pile of ashes could reignite later.
• Keep your campsite fires to an absolute minimum at all times.

Gas or Propane Fires

• Be very careful with gas canisters.
  • Keep upright at all times.
  • Keep outside in well ventilated area.
  • Check for leakage by putting soap liquid on all connections.
  • Turn off when not in use.
  • Never install or remove propane cylinders while stove is lit, near flames, pilot lights, other ignition sources or while stove is hot to the touch.
• Be careful not to spill fuel. Use funnel to fill tank.
• Do not operate stove or store fuel containers around another heat source such as a campfire. Only operate the stove in open, well ventilated areas. Never use the stove in a tent or a confined area.

Campfire safety

Forest fires often start from campfires that were not put out. You can be held responsible for suppression costs if your campfire starts a wildfire. OBEY ALL CAMPFIRE BANS IN EFFECT.

1. Keep fire site away from overhanging branches.
2. Use an existing pit if possible, and circle it with rocks.
3. Clear a 5-foot area around the pit, removing burnable debris down to the soil.
4. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
5. Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
6. After lighting, do not discard the match until it is cold.
7. Never leave a campfire unattended, not even for a minute.
8. When you leave, make sure the fire is completely out.
   1. Drown the fire and surrounding area with water.
   2. Stir the fire with a shovel or stick, then drown it again.
   3. Add water and stir until the area is cold to the touch.
   4. Don’t bury coals. They can smolder and break out.

• Make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight.
• Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.

• Hikers should wear at least one article of hunter orange viewable from all directions such as a hat, jacket, or vest. Cover your backpack with orange.
• Horseback riders should wear a hunter orange vest and helmet cover. Use a hunter orange vest or rump sheet on your horse.
• Dogs should wear hunter orange or other visible color, like a vest, leash, coat, shirt or bandana.
• Avoid wearing white or tan during deer season. A glimpse of white clothing by a hunter in the forest could be easily mistaken for the tail of a deer.

• Tell someone where and when you are going, when you expect to return, and how many individuals are in your party.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season.
• Check your equipment. Rock climbers should always safety check their equipment. Inexperienced climbers should have experienced members in their party. Using a helmet will lessen the chance of a head injury in the event of an accident.
• Learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them.

• Travel with a companion. You don’t want to be by yourself in case of an emergency.
• Set a comfortable pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group.
• Think about your footing while traveling near cliffs. Trees and bushes can’t always be trusted to hold you. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing.
• Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrain make running unsafe, and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath.
• Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it’s likely to contain water-borne parasites and micro-organisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, or purify through chemical treatment.
• Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridgetops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.

Some of the trails you'll visit on the forest are multiple-use, meaning that hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and ATVers may all share the same trail. A basic etiquette rule is Wheels Yield to Heels. Keep this in mind when approaching other trail users. Bicyclists or ATVers yield to all other users while hikers, walkers, yield to horseback riders.

Safety on the Trail

It is every trail users responsibility and right to ensure their own safety and expect safe practice from other trail users. Exercise caution at all times, follow guidelines and rules of the trails. Preventing accidents or injuries is the first step, acting responsibly if something does happen is the second. Always think clearly!

Trail Etiquette

Trail etiquette can be described as the polite way to use trails. It outlines guidelines for the many users that ride, walk, hike, bike, or ski trails.

If you have never considered trail etiquette to be one of the more important aspects of trail use, you may want to reconsider. Trail etiquette should be a major part of any trail users experience.

Trail use is a privilege that cannot be abused or disrespected, so making trail etiquette a priority allows everyone to enjoy the outdoors and have a good time while being safe and courteous. Also remember everyone is out there for the same reasons, to enjoy nature and to enjoy what they are doing.

When travelling multi-use trails, you may encounter many different forms of trail use, such as hikers, bikers, ATVers, horseback riders, etc. Therefore the user must adjust to different regulations (who passes first, who slows down, who gets the right of way).

If trail users conduct themselves in an appropriate manner, respect the environment and the other users, the trail experience will only get better. Keep safety and etiquette in mind when you are participating in trail use, this way trails will stay in good condition and the privilege will remain accessible for everyone.

Basic Trail Etiquette

• Always clean up after yourselves.
• Do not litter.
• Use provided toilet facilities at trailheads. If you are unable to find a facility, dig a hole 6 inches deep at least 200 feet from any open water.
• Move off the trail whenever possible for other trail users.

Other Trail Users

• Be aware of other trail users.
• Stay to the right of the trail (except when passing).
• Slow down at corners.
• Travel at reasonable speed.
• Move off the trail when letting others pass.
• Yield to other trail-users when entering and crossing trail.

Passing

• Give a clear warning signal when passing: call out passing on your left.
• Always look ahead and behind when passing.
• Obey all posted signs. These indicate special restrictions that apply to the trail you are on.
• Obey all the trail rules.
• Stay on the trail (respect the environment, do not venture off the trails).
• When meeting someone riding a horse, step off the trail and speak calmly.

• Know your ability, equipment and the area.
• Move off the trail for less mobile users.
• Do not ride under conditions where you leave evidence of passing, i.e. after rain or snow.
• Stay on the trail.
• Do not ride through streams.
• Make presence known at corners or blind spots.
• Control your bicycle.
• Always yield trail.

• Practice minimum impact techniques.
• Observe speed limits.
• Always clean up after your horse.
• Avoid campsites used by other trail users.
• Keep horses in campsite only long enough to unpack or pack them.
• Stock tied to trees ruins trees and turf: do so only for a short time. Use tie lines.
• Never tie horses within 200 feet of lakes, streams or springs.

Safety Tips

• Ride with a partner.
• Wear appropriate protective gear such as a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, sturdy pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
• Be certain each rider has a map and knows where the group is headed.
• Before leaving the trailhead, choose rest stops and meeting places for your group, in case you become separated.
• Stay on the correct trail if you become separated, and let the group find you.
• Be prepared for vehicle break downs.
• Ride within the limits of your skill and endurance.
• Know how to properly operate and control your vehicle.
• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Keep headlights on at all times so others can see you.
• Provide direct parental supervision for riders under the age of 16.
• Complete a rider safety course before operating an ATV.
• Never carry passengers on an ATV unless it’s designed for that purpose.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol -- riding an ATV requires a high degree of skill and judgment!

Trail Etiquette

• Ride only on trails designated with orange markers. No cross-country travel or hill climbs.
• Try to stay in the middle of the trail to avoid widening it.
• Yield to those traveling uphill when encountering others on the trail.
• Pack out your trash.
• Be courteous when passing other vehicles.
• Be considerate of horses, hikers, mountain bikers, and other trail users.

Environmental Concerns

Awareness of environmental concerns has been growing for decades. It has affected how we relate to the outdoors. It affects those of us who use off-road vehicles. We all have a stake in safe, responsible riding and land use.

To keep riding areas open requires good relationships between public land managers, private land owners and others who share the land such as riders, campers and hikers. In most cases common courtesy and consideration of their interests is all that is necessary to ensure that everyone can enjoy the area. Here are a few tips to consider when you ride:

• Learn about the area you will ride in. Contact the public land manager or private property owner to ensure that you understand area restrictions and have permission to ride there. Get maps of the area, and stay on trails if they are provided.
• Keep your ATV quiet. ATVs are designed to be relatively quiet while still delivering maximum performance, smooth engine torque and spark suppression. Excessive noise stresses wildlife, and annoys property owners and other recreation users. It also contributes to your own riding fatigue. Less noise means you can ride farther more comfortably.
• Obey trail markers and closure signs. There are many reasons why an area may be closed to ATVs including the existence of fire hazard, refuge to wildlife or plant life and safety hazards for ATV riders. The reasons may not be obvious. If it is posted as closed, stay out.
• Always leave gates and fences the way you found them. This is especially important on private lands where livestock may be kept.
• Leave the area as clean as you found it. If you see litter, pick it up and carry it out on your ATV. Carry a rolled up plastic trash bag and a couple of bungee cords on your ATV. Why not leave the area cleaner than you found it?
• Be courteous to others you may meet on the trail. Always give right-of-way to hikers and horseback riders. Pull off the trail and stop your engine for horses. The rider will likely talk soothingly to the horse. It doesn't hurt for you to do the same to assure the horse you are no threat. Horses respond very positively to a calm, human voice.
• Approach livestock or wildlife on the trail slowly. Give them time to react and give them as wide a berth as possible.
• Whenever you talk to a landowner, take your helmet off. The helmet can make you appear to be intimidating and unfriendly. Be friendly and honest in all your discussions with the landowner & you are there as their guest.

From the ATV Safety Institute  

Boating is a popular activity, but it can also be a dangerous one.

Please make your visit a safe one!

Common sense and adherence to boating and water safety laws and rules will reduce accidents.

Before You Boat

• Learn to swim and learn basic water rescue techniques.
• Learn all navigation rules AND Kentucky boating laws and LIVE by them.
• Keep your boat in proper working order, and make sure it meets all equipment guidelines established by the Kentucky boating laws.

While You Boat

• Don’t operate a boat while drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device.
• Don’t water ski or jet ski in a manner that endangers other lake users. Boaters, watch for scuba divers and skiers.
• Confine jet skiing and water skiing to daylight hours.
• Children should not operate any personal water craft.
• Do not allow anyone to ride on decks or gunwales.
• Avoid excessive speed, especially in congested areas.
• Be aware of underwater hazards such as submerged logs, stumps, and rocks.
• Avoid dams. Water flowing over dams can create a current capable of drawing boats into the face of the dam and holding them under water. Avoid dam spillways during high water.

Swimming and Diving

• Watch your children. Beaches are unguarded, and there may be sharp drop-offs near shore.
• Dive only in familiar areas, and check water depth before diving.

Basic principles of boating after dark

If you choose to operate a boat at night, remember these tips:

• Slow down.
• Know the boating and navigation laws.
• Know the body of water. Lower water levels can change even a familiar lake, exposing hazards normally under water.
• Keep your senses sharp – fatigue, alcohol and drugs can be deadly for boat operators.
• Watch out for other boaters.
• Watch for floating debris, underwater hazards, rocks and shallow areas.

Carry the following

• Personal flotation device
• Paddle
• Towline
• Emergency radio
• Bailing device
• Whistle or horn
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Flares

Even if you're just enjoying the river from the bank, fishing or wading, rivers can be dangerous. Be within arm's reach of children if they are playing on the bank or wading, because there are drop-offs and swift currents.

Canoeing and Kayaking

River levels can change drastically depending on rainfall, making passage and maneuverability more difficult.

As with all water activities, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.

TIE ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT TO THE CANOE – put your equipment into a waterproof bag to keep it dry and tie it to one of the center beams in the canoe so that you don’t lose everything if your canoe tips over.

DO NOT LITTER – carry out everything you bring in – the animals don’t like a messy home.

Before You Start

• Be honest with yourself when evaluating your skills (and skills of others in your party). You will have a safer and more enjoyable trip if you choose sections of the river that match your ability.
• Check on current water levels before embarking on your trip. The difficulty level of certain sections of river can change dramatically with changes in water level. Gentle stretches can become dangerous with high water levels. At extremely low levels, you may find yourself paddling through puddles, dragging the canoe over rocks, or portaging.
• Know your physical ability, swimming skills and paddling skills. If you are uncertain about how much you can do, start with a short trip.
• Take time to find out which lands along the river belong to private landowners. The Forest Service has USGS quadrangle maps that have national forest boundaries marked on them.

On the River

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times. Even gentle stretches of water can have wicked undercurrents. Even good swimmers need to wear one.
• Never boat alone. A preferred minimum is three boats.
• Scout rapids and make rescue plans if needed. Be aware that on some sections of these rivers, land access may be difficult and help is far away.
• Learn basic water rescue techniques and first aid. Learn to recognize the symptoms and treatment for hypothermia.
• Know your limits; do not attempt a section of river beyond your skill level.
• Pay attention to weather and water conditions. Wear wool clothing or a wet suit and dress for the water temperature. If the water temperature and air temperature combined total 100 degrees or less, wear protective clothing.
• If you capsize, hold on to your craft and get immediately to the upstream side. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream. If you go over a ledge or drop, tuck into a ball. Release your craft only if it improves your safety. Stay upstream away from the boat.
• Carry the proper equipment including dry clothing and a first-aid kit. Store all extra gear in a secure watertight container.

Canoe Safety Tips

Before you go canoeing this summer, there are some important things you should know to keep yourself safe. Canoeing is a lot of fun, but if you don’t know the dangers, you could get into trouble on the water. Here are some tips for keeping dry and steering clear of danger:

• TO GET INTO YOUR CANOE:
  • HAVE SOMEONE HOLD THE CANOE STEADY – you don’t want to tip the canoe before you even get out on the water!
  • CROUCH LOW - keep your knees bent and GRAB THE SIDES OF THE CANOE FOR BALANCE as you walk to your seat
  • ALWAYS WALK ALONG THE CENTER – keeping your feet on the centerline will help keep the canoe from rocking.
• STAY LOW – do not stand up or walk in your canoe when you are away from shore.
• ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET - you never know when you might fall out or tip over unexpectedly.
• AVOID SUDDEN OR JERKY MOVEMENTS – rocking from side to side could cause the canoe to tip over.
• BE AWARE OF THE CURRENTS IN THE WATER – you don’t want to end up floating farther downstream than you planned. If the current starts to pull you along faster or you see lots of rocks in the water ahead of you paddle away from them or paddle towards the shore.
• ALWAYS SIT ON THE SEATS OR IN THE CENTER OF THE CANOE – sitting on the side of a canoe will cause it to tip over.
• STAY AWAY FROM LOW HANGING TREES AND BRANCHES NEAR THE SHORE.
• DO NOT CANOE IN BAD WEATHER.
• AVOID LETTING BIG WAVES HIT THE SIDE OF YOUR CANOE – always try to keep your canoe at a right angle to the waves otherwise the wave might push your canoe over.

If Your Canoe Tips Over

• DON’T PANIC
• STAY WITH YOUR CANOE
• PADDLE OR PUSH YOUR CANOE TO SHORE – with the help of the other person in your canoe, you can get out in shallow water and flip the canoe to dump out the water and climb in. Your canoe will float even if its full of water until you can get to shore to empty it.
• ALWAYS BRING ALONG EXTRA CLOTHING IN A WATERPROOF CONTAINER- you want to be prepared in case your canoe tips or the weather changes.

The term "personal watercraft" is used to define a category of vessels that have grown in popularity as well as numbers. Personal watercraft are small (usually 8 feet or less) one or two person motorized craft. These vessels are highly maneuverable and capable of speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour. They are also called jet skis, wet bikes, etc.

Because of their small size and low profile, operators of other boats may not see them as readily. Operators of personal watercraft should exercise "defensive driving." These craft are highly responsive and capable of quick turns. In fact, this is what they are designed for and is part of the fun. However, this kind of operation is considered reckless if done in congested areas of boat traffic.
In addition to being governed by some of the laws that apply to other boats, the following laws apply to personal watercraft:

• Children under 12 are prohibited from operating personal watercraft or motorboats over 10 horsepower.
• Boaters ages 12-17 will be required to pass a safe-boating test to operate watercraft, or have an adult on board at all times.
• The operator must use an engine kill switch when the craft is underway.
• Operators and passengers must wear personal flotation devices (life jackets).
• No personal watercraft are to be operated from sunset to sunrise.
• Where skiing is prohibited, personal watercraft operators will not jump the wake of another boat, perform abrupt turns, or engage in similar acrobatic maneuvers.
• In areas where skiing is allowed, personal watercraft operators will not jump the wake of another boat by getting unreasonably close to the other boat or when visibility around the other boat is restricted.
• Personal watercraft operators will not pass close enough to other boats to cast spray on another vessel or engage in any other reckless practice which could endanger life, safety, or property.