BLM Public Lands: Know before you go

Summer is officially here, and as you prepare for your Fourth of July holiday and other outdoorsy vacations, your Bureau of Land Management public lands welcome you! Here, visitors enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, rafting, hunting, recreational shooting, biking, climbing, caving, wildlife viewing, and exploring cultural heritage sites. Last year alone, BLM recorded more than 80 million visits. Want to know what’s near you? Check out the BLM’s Recreation and Visitor Services webpage for an interactive map of places to visit, information on activities, passes, fee free days, and more. 

But before you head out on your next adventure, here are a few tips to ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable: 

 

BLM Public Lands Are Not National Parks – Plan Accordingly 

 BLM public lands share some similarities with national parks, including breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for an array of memorable experiences. However, unlike national parks, BLM lands operate under a multiple use mission; that means these are working lands. As a result, visitors may find less infrastructure and fewer amenities compared to national parks. Many BLM areas are really remote. Adventurers must plan accordingly. A big plus is that the BLM works with state and local partners to encourage recreation on BLM public lands, which are generally open to a wider array of activities with fewer restrictions than in national parks. Another positive is that BLM recreation brings business to local guides, outfitters, restaurants and more, which is great support for surrounding communities.

More to Know Before You Go – A Checklist 

• A week or two before—and again on the day of your departure—check the weather, wildlife and other alerts in the area, requirements (e.g., reservations/passes, etc.), and restrictions (e.g., campfire rules, is your trail open, etc.) of your chosen location online. This information can change often. 
   
• Share your trip details with someone you can count on. They should know where you will be, who you are with, and your planned return time. Make a plan to contact them upon return and that they should contact the authorities if you are significantly overdue. Download a map that you can use offline or bring a paper map, compass, or GPS. Ideally, don’t recreate alone. Consider your health and skill level when making plans. You cannot always rely on cell phone coverage (or your battery to last so have a backup) should you get lost, need medical or other assistance.
   
• Pack a first aid kit, soap (don’t use it in a body of water as it can be harmful to aquatic life), a couple of light sources (e.g., flashlight, headlamp, lantern, etc.) with extra batteries – even if you’re not planning to be out past dark – matches or fire starter, a multi-tool, duct tape, tweezers, towel, trash bags, toilet paper/wipes, hand sanitizer, whistle and mirror. 
   
• Wear and pack bright, appropriate clothing. Depending on your activities and temperatures, consider whether you need gloves, a jacket, wetsuit, life vest, and/or helmet. Bring at least one change of clothes (protection from hypothermia, which can even happen in warmer temperatures, and chaffing), including another long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun, a hat and protective (i.e., high top), supportive, closed toe footwear with solid traction – and don’t forget your sunscreen (or to reapply it every two hours).
   
• Prepare for each person to need to drink at least one gallon of water per day. To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest time of day, take breaks in the shade, and avoid dehydrating beverages (e.g., sugary, caffeinated, alcoholic). Consider low or no sugar sports drinks and/or adding electrolytes to your water. Pack salty snacks like nuts, jerky, trail mix, crackers, pretzels or popcorn. Nutrition bars and dried fruit are also smart choices during outdoor fun.
   
• Open water can be contaminated by waste, bacteria, parasites, and more. Only water from maintained systems is safe to drink. But if you find yourself in need of water, the rule of thumb is to boil open water for at least five minutes, use a water filter or purification tablets/drops before consumption.
   
• Do not feed wildlife – no matter how cute or how much they seem to beg. It’s not healthy for them and risks altering their natural behaviors, which are important to their survival. Not to mention it may be illegal and a danger to you. Along that same vein, keep your camp clean to not attract wildlife (i.e., food scraps, dirty dishes, etc.) and store all food away from where you sleep.
   
• Give wildlife yards of space (think 50+ yards). The bigger and/or faster the animal, the greater the distance needs to be. If you’re visiting for wildlife viewing, bring binoculars or know your cell phone camera zoom settings. If you’re recreating in an area where you might encounter potentially dangerous animals, make noise to let wildlife know you’re coming through. If you encounter wildlife, do not run or make sudden movements – back away slowly, without making eye contact, while facing the animal. Other tips: carry bear spray, shake out clothes and check your shoes (and other dark places) for unexpected critters, and ensure your dog is on a leash.
   
• Check your clothing and body for ticks and remove them promptly (we’re talking about the ticks, of course).  Remove the tick at the head with your tweezers, then disinfect the bite. Watch for signs of illness like rash or fever, which may develop days or even weeks later.
   
• “Leaves of three, let it be” is the adage for avoiding Poison Ivy and Poison Oak, though not all plants with three leaves are harmful. But then there’s also Poison Sumac to keep an eye out for. Play it safe and avoid skin contact with plants, if you’re unsure about your surroundings (long sleeves aren’t just for protection from the sun). If you come in contact with one or more of these, wash the body part with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately.
   
• Last but never least, pack out what you pack in or “leave no trace.” There is likely no trash collection on these au naturel BLM lands so recreate gently by packing out all waste (yes, including used toilet paper). This is a best practice wherever you are (being gentle on the lands, not packing out used toilet paper, let’s not make this weird) – this is essential for maintaining pristine BLM public lands for all to enjoy.  

As you can see, a little preparation will go a long way in helping you stay safe while enjoying the amazing opportunities BLM lands have to offer. Now get out there!