Farrells Grove ,overlooking Kalamunda National Park

Every time we venture into a wilderness area we impact on the environment in some way. As outdoor pursuits become increasingly fashionable  the visitation to these areas  is increasing markedly. The challenge to Venturers and indeed the entire movement is to once again become a leader in teaching outdoor skills to young people with a focus on minimal impact practices. There are several practices that can be adopted to lessen our effect on the areas we visit and most don't require any special techniques or special equipment , in fact they are pure common sense . The only thing they require is a little amount of effort and
consideration on the part of the participant. One memory that stuck with me was arriving at a fairly well used camp site on the Bibbulmum track . This site is in the middle of state forest and practically inaccessible to civilian vehicles so we expected it to be in reasonable condition however the group who had been there before us did not afford us this courtesy. The site was littered with rubbish , charred remains of tin cans lay in the fire place , someone had tried to cut some wood off a tree and someone couldn't even be bothered walking 50m to the toilet provided leaving their mark right in the middle of the site.

Toolbronup Peak in the Stirling Ranges one of the remaining pure wilderness areas

A Guide to Minimum impact practices

When walking

Stay on the track even if you are required to walk single file , and remember that puddle you walk around the edge of will be twice as wide next time you return if everyone does the same thing and that corner you cut will look like a 4 way intersection on a major highway if everyone cuts the corner
In open trackless terrain spread out , this will reduce damage and prevent new tracks forming and travel in small parties of around 4 - 6 people. We are aiming to keep the Wilderness wild , do not under any circumstances cut or blaze new trails

At the Campsite

Use established campsite rather than creating new ones , where no site is available choose a low impact area such as rocky or sandy ground rather than live vegetation.
Try to keep clear of water courses and animal tracks leading to water and keep in mind what type of animal may be using your water source , in some areas your life may depend on it
Leave campsites better than you found them , collect other peoples rubbish and dismantle any constructions like seating.

Saltwater Crocodile , Wyndham