Did you know that you share ownership in America's public lands? That's right. You are part owner of over 264 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The BLM's first and foremost obligation is to maintain and improve the health of your public lands so they will remain productive for current and future generations. As part owner of the public lands, you also have a stake in their care.

Following are guidelines to use while enjoying your favorite outdoor recreational activities. Most of these just require common sense; some are very specific to the particular activity. Please read over these and use them as a guide. That way, you can play an important role in helping the BLM care for your favorite places on the public lands.

"Leave No Trace" is a national outdoor ethics program that offers the following guidelines to minimize your impact. These apply to whatever activity you may choose.

* Choose a route, equipment and clothing that are appropriate for your goals
and outdoor skill level.

* Follow established trails in small groups, and walk single-file. Stay off user-
created trails to allow those areas time to recover.

* Select off-trail routes that avoid fragile areas, particularly wetlands,
unstable slopes, and places covered by shrubs, dense-leafed herbs, or ferns.

* Take rest stops only in areas where your presence will not damage vegetation.

* Camp only in durable areas, preferably in established campsites.

* Learn about animals indigenous to the place you are visiting in order to avoid
disturbing them.

* Be fastidious about animal-proof food storage, and clean up leftover scraps. Pack out whatever you pack in, as well as all litter.

* Don't continue to approach animals when they are aware of your presence.

* Leave what you find; allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, cultural artifacts, and other objects
of interest as you found them.

In addition to the Leave No Trace Guidelines above, hikers and backpackers should observe the following guidelines:

* When hiking, avoid taking shortcuts across meadows or switchbacks-- this will prevent severe erosion and trail damage.

* Properly dispose of human waste and waste water. Use established latrines whenever they are available, or dig individual "catholes" at least 200 feet from camp, water and trails. Cover catholes after use.

* Use fire responsibly. Always carry a gas stove to cook your meals. If a campfire is necessary, use packed-in wood or
charcoal, keep the fire small, and always contain it in a fire pan. Burn your fire down to white ash, let it cool
completely, and pack out all of the ash.

* Do all washing at least 200 feet from the nearest water source. Use hot water and a minimum amount of soap.

In addition to the above, to minimize your impact in and around rivers, streams, or lakes:

* Select campsites and kitchen sites where river floods will wash away all signs of your stay.

* Avoid camping in the riparian zone-- the fragile, green area along the bank of the river. Camp in an established site,
on a sand beach, or at least 100 feet from the river.

* All boating parties should carry a portable, reusable waste disposal system that can be flushed out at a proper waste facility.

Wilderness areas are specially designated to preserve places undisturbed by people.
In addition to following the guidelines above, to keep wilderness areas pristine:

* Make sure that any campsite you make in a wilderness area is at least 200 feet from trails, lakes, and streams.

* Properly dispose of human waste and waste water. See guidelines above.

* Take along lightweight equipment requiring few pack animals.

* Keep animals 200 or more feet from water sources, and move them
frequently.

* Bring food for pack animals to use in areas where feed is limited, or where
grazing is restricted. This food must be certified weed free.

* Remove or scatter manure, and pack out leftover hay or straw. Hay and straw must be
certified weed-free.

While enjoying the sport of fishing, please keep in mind this voluntary Angler's Code:
The ethical angler:

* supports conservation efforts.

* practices "catch and release" where needed.

* doesn't pollute and properly recycles and disposes of trash.

* doesn't release bait into waters.

* practices safe angling and boating and obeys fishing and boating
regulations.

* respects other anglers' and property owners' rights.

* shares fishing knowledge and skills, and promotes ethical sportfishing.

The Hunter's Code of Conduct was created cooperatively and produced by the Izaak Walton League of America. Responsible hunting provides unique challenges and rewards.
The future of the sport, however, depends on each hunter's behavior and ethics.

The ethical hunter:

* respects the environment, wildlands and property rights.

* shows consideration for non-hunters.

* hunts safely, legally and only with other ethical hunters.

* supports wildlife and habitat conservation.

* passes on an ethical hunting tradition.

* strives to improve his or her outdoor skills and understanding of wildlife.

Mountain Biking

* Ride on open trails only; respect trail and road closures.

* Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open (legal) trails, you should not ride on certain soils after a rain.

* Control your bicycle; inattention can cause problems.

* Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

* Always yield trail; make known your approach well in advance.

* Never spook wild or domestic animals.

* Plan ahead: know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding, and prepare accordingly.

Back Country Byways (Scenic Drives)

* Obey all signs.

* Know where you are. Use only roads legally accessible to
the public. Get maps and information from the BLM before
you start.

* Get permission from land owners before walking,
hunting or fishing on private lands.

* Leave gates as you found them--open or closed.

* Avoid any travel that will increase roadway
rutting or otherwise damage the land. Don't drive on unpaved roads during storms, and don't create new roads.

* Don't shoot at signs, damage range improvements,
or harass livestock.

* Report any vandalism you see to BLM.

Off-Highway Touring

* "Tread Lightly"

* Travel only where permitted.

* Respect the rights of others.

* Educate yourself about the responsible use of off-highway vehicles.

* Avoid using motor vehicles near streams, meadows,
or wildlife.

* Drive and travel responsibly.

* Treat rock art, historic structures and archaeological features with respect.

* Avoid moving anything, touching walls, or climbing on the roof or walls of prehistoric or historic structures when walking around a site.

* Enjoy rock art by viewing, sketching or photographing. Never chalk, trace
or otherwise touch rock art.

* Never build fires in or around archaeological or historic sites.

* Stay on trails that have been built through a site.

* Show respect for the many cultural sites that are of ancestral importance to Native Americans.

* Report looting and vandalism to a BLM ranger or other local authority.

To avoid disturbing wildlife:

* Wear natural colors and unscented lotions. Remove glasses that glint.

* Walk softly. Hide your figure behind boulders or vegetation, and try not to throw a shadow.

* Resist the temptation to "save" baby animals--"mom" is usually watching from a
safe distance.

* Let animals eat their natural foods.

* Let patience reward you--don't provoke animals into activity.

* Use binoculars or zoom lenses to get a close-up view of animals. Give nests a wide berth.

* Move slowly, smoothly and steadily, and approach animals in a roundabout way, never directly. Avert your gaze, as animals may interpret a direct stare
as a threat.

Wildflower Conservation and Etiquette

Over 15,000 different species of native plants are recognized in the United States and Canada, with new species being discovered each year. To help protect these plants:

* "Leave No Trace."

* Please, don't pick the flowers!

Weed Alert

Weeds choke out native wildflowers and cause significant ecological
damage. Weeds are spreading at an alarming rate on public lands. To help prevent the spread of weeds:

* Refrain from picking wildflowers or plants, many of which may actually be invasive weeds. Picking and transporting them can spread their seeds to new areas.

* Check with the local ranger or land manager before starting a back country hike in order to identify the problem weed species in the area. Report any infestations you may come across.

* Clean all camping gear, clothing, and shoes before leaving an area in order to avoid inadvertently taking weed seeds
along with you.

* Do not camp in, lead pack animals into, or hike through weed-infested areas.

* Drive only on established roads or trails away from weed-infested areas.

* Carry and use only certified "weed-free" feed for pack animals, beginning four days before entering backcountry areas .