LOCALadk Magazine

Summer 2016 LOCALadk Magazine 2 LOCALadk "Charmin' Blossoms" and "Charmin' Gardens" are terms com- monly used by people disgusted by clusters of human waste and toilet paper found on and within sight of hiking trails. These un- sightly and smelly messes are becoming more common – espe- cially in high use areas. These open bathrooms can have negative effects on water qual- ity and human health. Anyone drinking nearby surface waters risks contracting the misnamed beaver fever, or giardia: it is hu- man waste that is the most common source of this illness. The NYS DEC and its partners are making efforts to address this growing problem. In the past, DEC installed pit privies near lean-tos and designated tent sites for overnight users. DEC now recognizes the need for pit privies for day users and has installed, or will be installing pit privies at the following locations: • Near the junction of South Meadow Lane and Adirondak Loj Road • Van Hoevenberg trail on the Plateau • Avalanche Pass trail near the junction with Lake Arnold trail (Avalanche Camps) • Marcy trail near the Four-Corners • Junction of Wright Peak trail and Algonquin trail • Junction of Big Slide trail and The Brothers trail • Cascade Mountain trailhead • Junction of Cascade Mountain trail and Porter Mountain trail • Cascade Mountain trail just below the tree line • Hurricane Mountain Route 9N trailhead • Hurricane Mountain trail just below the tree line • Rocky Peak Ridge trail near the Marie Louise Pond tent site Directional signs will be posted on trails and near tent sites clear- ly pointing to pit privies. In addition, DEC will be posting "DIG IT" signs along trails encouraging people to bury human waste and toilet paper off the trails. What can you do to help? 1. Follow the directions your parents gave you before you trav- eled in a car – make sure you go to the bathroom before you leave. If traveling a long distance, stop to use a restroom shortly before you reach the trailhead. 2. Know the location of the pit privies and use them. 3. If there are no pit privies nearby, you will need to use the woods: • Whenever possible, follow Leave No Trace recommenda- tions and go 200 feet from the trail or any water source • Scrape the top layer of duff - leaves, needles, and twigs- to the side • Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep with a digging tool or the heel of your boot • Do your business in the hole and drop toilet paper on top of it, or carry paper out • Replace the dirt into the hole • Replace the duff back over the exposed dirt • Tamp down with your foot • The bacteria in the soil will break down the waste and toilet paper in a short period of time Another common source of toilet paper and tissues along the trail is people blowing their noses. Carry a resealable plastic bag and place used tissues in these, or bury them. Please help keep our trails safe and enjoyable for everyone's use. Do not litter - and properly dispose of human waste. Your Roll in the Backcountry A message from the Department of Environmental Conservation

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