Table of Contents

BSA Wilderness Policy

Recent studies conducted by both private organizations and public agencies concerned with the impact of people on our wilderness and backcountry areas indicate the need for an immediate reduction in both the overall number using specific wilderness areas as well as in the numbers in each individual wilderness group. Large numbers (larger than 8 or 10 patrol or crew size) wear out campsites by causing excessive compacting of soil, destroying ground cover, building unsightly fire places, and using up fuel wood supplies. They tend to destroy wilderness solitude with excessive noise pollution and are not considered desirable neighbors by others using the area. Large groups tend to have a lower proportion of adult leaders for each 8 or 10 campers. This sometimes results in gross violations of wilderness manners, specified regulations of the specific area, and even irresponsible cutting or other destruction of vegetation.

In light of these facts and because we are alerted to more unfavorable situations involving scouting personnel each month, the following policy has been adopted by the Program Committee of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts strongly recommends the following procedures and practices to all its Troops and Posts using wilderness or backcountry areas in order that they may have on opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a wilderness atmosphere.

• Limit the size of the group to 8 or 10 with at least one adult included preferably more.
• Organize each wilderness partol or crew to function independently-i.e. plan own trip dates on different dates, serve own food, provide transportation to trailhead, secure own permit, camp in seperate and distinct group.
• When economics or logistics dictate combined transportation, planning or buying, group should still hike, canoe, camp and travel separately from other groups of the same unit. Groups should avoid meeting at the campsite.
• Obtain and use backpacking chemical stoves, particually in areas where fuel supply is limited. Many wilderness areas now restrict the use of any open fires.
• Contact appropiate supervisory authorities of area to be visited well in advance of planned trip to become aware of and to comply with permit and special regulations.
• Place special emphasis on pretrip training on the proper wilderness rules of behavior as established in the program of BSA and by the managing agency., i.e., use: biodegradable food containers, to carry out all trash, dig holes for latrines only in undeveloped areas if permissable, carry all the equipment you need, use no natural materials except firewood and when cutting dead wood is required, use a small folding pack saw, carry only one axe for splitting if needed.
• Place special emphasis on the need for preserving solitude, and minimizing group impact through proper camping practices, sanitation and conservation of fuel.
• Develop the WILDERNESS ETHIC in your Troop or Post and practice it on the trail.
• Match the ruggedness of high adventure experiences in wilderness and backcountry areas to the physical ability and maturity of your Scouts, Explorers and leaders. More rugged trips should be limited to older Scouts and to Explorers.