ATTENTION TRAIL USERS
Most of you are probably aware that ALL OF THE 80 NATURAL AREAS have been
closed to horseback riders, camping, bicycling, rock climbing, and rappelling.
Most of these areas are posted with yellow signs and yellow maple leaves
which are painted on the trees along the natural areas boundaries.
PLEASE DO NOT GO INTO THESE AREAS ON HORSEBACK, CAMP OR ROCK CLIMB.
THESE AREAS ARE PATROLLED BY MOUNTED OR UNMOUNTED FOREST SERVICE LAW ENFORCEMENT
AND THEY WILL ISSUE TICKETS TO ANYONE FOUND RIDING IN THESE CLOSED NATURAL
AREAS. FINES ARE A MINIMUM OF $100 FOR FIRST OFFENSE. Seven
of these areas will eventually have a designated equestrian trail through
them as promised in the current 1992 forest plan. Designated horse
trails are already on the ground in the Garden on the Gods natural area
and the LaRue-Pine Hills natural area and are posted as open. The scoping process (environmental analysis) is underway on the other 5 natural
areas which is the legal procedure according to the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) that must be followed. This process should be completed
hopefully in 2001.
Because trail users, especially trail riders, are under close scrutiny
by not only the Forest Service, but also by the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources, the National Park Service and various environmental
groups, we ask that trail riders, campers, hunters, hikers, bikers and
other users abide by LEAVE NO TRACE practices.
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
Click to learn
more about the "leave no trace" practices and the national
Leave No Trace organization.
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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! |
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IF WE ABUSE THE SHAWNEE,
WE'LL LOSE OUR TRAILS
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Stay on existing trails, do not make new trails or take shortcuts
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Do not go around water bars which have been constructed to divert water
off the trail to prevent erosion
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Do not cause trail braiding by going around logs, mud puddles, or small
rocks
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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
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Leave all gates as you find them; respect private property and stay out
of areas posted "NO TRESPASSING"
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Avoid muddy trails; save them for another day when conditions are
drier
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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
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Do not litter; Pack it In - Pack it Out! Pick up after other
careless users
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Extinguish all cigarettes and camp fires properly
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Do not deface trees, rocks, or signs; Do not remove or disturb plants
or animals
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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 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 PROBLEM, 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". SOME TICKS MAY
CARRY THE LYME’S DISEASE SO DISCUSS POSSIBLE VACCINATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR
IF YOU ARE IN THE FOREST FREQUENTLY.
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!
This information is endorsed by THE SHAWNEE TRAIL CONSERVANCY, SOUTHERN
ILLINOIS RANCH AND CAMPGROUND OWNERS ASSOCIATION, THE ILLINOIS TRAIL RIDERS,
AND THE ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF OUTDOOR RESOURCES (IFOR)
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