Access

One of the key issues when working on land is access. If the land is open for public access, use existing roads and/or trails. If access crosses Native Land or private property, get consent for access. Generally, if you state your intentions up front, and introduce yourself to the parties involved, you won’t encounter any problems.

If using off road vehicles, use low impact vehicles and stay on existing trails especially in environmentally sensitive areas (alpine and wetlands). When fording creeks cross at right angles, do not drive vehicles down creek beds.

Prospecting And Sampling

• Avoid using excessive flagging tape to mark sample locations and/ or trails, if flagging is necessary consider using biodegradable flagging tape (lasts approximately two years).

• Do not use spray paint to mark sample locations on outcrops.

• Fill in any manually dug holes or pits that were created when taking samples; replace vegetative mat, consider using soil augers.

• When peeling moss off outcrops, limit the area exposed, and if possible replace moss.

• On traverse do not leave behind lunch items that will not quickly biodegrade such as paper, plastic, cans, juice boxes or orange peels.

• When nature calls on traverse, bury the evidence.

• If archaeological or heritage sites are found it is unlawful to remove artefacts or damage sites.

Camping

• When camping follow a “leave no-trace” camping policy.

• If possible use existing cleared areas to set up camp.

• Set up tents 30 metres from any water body, avoid camping in environmentally sensitive areas or where there is permafrost.

• Bear proof the camp: do not store food in tents, set up cooking station away from sleeping tents, store food away from camp – downwind if possible, keep site clean.

• Burn any food waste and any paper garbage (particularly sanitary pads but also toilet paper where possible; if you plan ahead and have an airtight container available it can be saved for incineration).

• Monitor potential forest fire hazard: only burn garbage if it is safe to do so; if it is not safe to burn, garbage should be packed out.

• Pack out all non-burnable garage (drink containers, aluminum foil).

• Do not bury garbage; wildlife will dig up and spread buried garbage around the site.

• Drain dish water into a small sump, fill in sump when closing camp.

• Human waste: designate a site as far from the camp as possible and at least 60 metres from any water body; bury human waste and, if not collected separately, toilet paper.

If we all obey these simple steps, we can protect our environment for all to enjoy, including our future generations. Let’s keep it a pristine wilderness and Happy Prospecting!