A little "trash" talk

This year there has been an abnormally high level of disrespect shown to the land and people who live here [Minnesota's North Shore],” he [Bryan Hansel] wrote in a Facebook post last week that has been shared more than 1,600 times. “With so much pain, anger and hate out there right now because of this pandemic, everyone needs to find a piece of joy. And if people continue to show a lack of respect, destroy the land here and act terribly, the little piece of joy that can be found here might disappear. Some North Shore visitors trashing trails, campsites. Star Tribune July 7, 2020

So it's not just my imagination. Our parks and trails are trashier since the pandemic started. The surge in popularity of walking, biking, camping, and just plain being outdoors as acceptable means of alleviating the boredom of self-isolation has also given rise to an increase in thoughtless behaviors regarding trash.

When I come across a candy wrapper, drink container, or cigarette butt on the side of a trail, I curse (mostly under my breath, I hope). First, that some born-in-a-barn idiot actually tossed their garbage on the trail. And secondly that I forgot to bring a garbage bag to help clean it up. (So why do dog owners put their puppy's do-do in a bag and then leave the damn bag on the trail?) Call me a grouchy old fart, but litter sets me off.

But then I read this:

Rarely is damage done with the intent of harm, the most common cause is a lack of awareness of the best practices or knowledge of proper etiquette. Even the most wilderness savvy folks sometimes need a reminder about the Leave No Trace principles. Cook County Blog

Hanlon's Razor reminds us to never ascribe to malice what can be explained by stupidity. (OK, perhaps in this case, ignorance.) The rise in the use of our natural sites comes, logically, from people who have not enjoyed them in the past. And so need educating.

On a Rim to Rim hike of the Grand Canyon several years ago, i noticed that one encountered litter only when within a few hundred yards of the trailheads. Deeper into the canyon, there was no trash whatsoever. Those who descended into the canyon's depths were probably, like my companions and me, fairly experienced hikers who respected the wilderness. But even I got a little lecture when peeing too close to a stream while on the hike by one of the guides.

I've always been grateful to the Boy Scouts for teaching and enforcing the Leave No Trace philosophy, especially the edict to leave a place better than one found it. I am sure other youth organizations and outdoor clubs also help their members become more aware of good outdoor etiquette.

Hoping the pandemic creates a population more educated and willing to leave the woods just a little better than they found it. With experience comes knowledge. I sincerly welcome new outdoor enthusiasts to places I know and love. I hope they will come to love (and respect them) as much as I do.

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