Leave No Trace

Principles of Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Learn more about the leave no trace practices at the
"National Leave No Trace Organization."

Why not litter?.....because litter LASTS!

Cigarette Butts	1-5 years
Orange & Banana Peels	up to 2 years
Plastic Bags	10-20 years
Aluminum Cans & Tabs	80-100 years
Plastic Six-Pack Holders	100 years
Glass Bottles	1,000,000 years
Plastic Bottle	Indefinitely!

TO PRESERVE THE RESOURCES OF THE SHAWNEE FOREST

Stay on existing trails, do not make new trails or take shortcuts

Do not go around water bars which have been constructed to divert water off the trail to prevent erosion

Do not cause trail braiding by going around logs, mud puddles, or small rocks

Some trails have been brushed in and closed to prevent resource damage, erosion, or because they are too close to another trail, please leave this brush in place and do not use these trails

Leave all gates as you find them; respect private property and stay out of areas posted "NO TRESPASSING"

Avoid muddy trails; save them for another day when conditions are drier

During breaks, please tie horses to the picket/highlines where available, or cross tie your horse between trees so to prevent tree damage from chewing or compacting of roots

Do not litter; Pack it In - Pack it Out! Pick up after other careless users

Extinguish all cigarettes and camp fires properly

Do not deface trees, rocks, or signs; Do not remove or disturb plants or animals

Please carry a hand saw so as to remove branches or trees which may have fallen on the trail. All users must do their part toward maintaining trails. Please participate in trail maintenance projects for the benefit of all users and to better protect our natural resources, prevent erosion, and provide a quality experience.

Be Prepared! When heading into the Forest, take a compass and a map or go with someone who is familiar with the trail locations. People do get lost in the Shawnee.

For your safety, please take along plenty of water, a snack bar, a first aid kit including elastic vet wrap and a lighter for emergencies. Let others at your camp know where you are going and do not ride or hike alone.

Since ticks and chiggers can be a prolbem, especially in the spring and summer, it is advisable to spray your shoes and clothing with an insect repellant which contains "Deet" such as "Deep Woods Off".

Treat other trail users with respect and courtesy. Be a gentle user so that current and future generations will be able to use and enjoy the Shawnee too.

This information is endorsed by
The Shawnee Trail Conservancy Shawnee Forest Campground Assocaition, The Illinois Trail Riders, and the Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources (IFOR)

Shawnee Trail Conservancy
P.O. Box 44
Eddyville, IL 62928

Click Here to E-Mail Us!

Principles of Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Shawnee Trail Conservancy P.O. Box 44 Eddyville, IL 62928

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Shawnee Trail Conservancy
P.O. Box 44
Eddyville, IL 62928