Tank the Trail Finder: Spring 'Trash Talk'

It is official, spring has sprung!

With each day of warmer temperatures and rain, one can virtually watch the snow line retreat ever higher up the mountains.

This is cause for celebration as that signals more and more dirt trails becoming accessible.

For the goats and I, this time of year has been met with mixed emotions.

The elation of being back on our local trails has been met by the disappointment of finding loads and loads of garbage strewn about our beautiful hillsides that had been hiding under all the snow.

Not only am I surprised at the sheer volume of garbage this spring, but also the amazing variety.

Powerade bottles, Monster energy drink cans, beer cans, foam take-out containers, two stroke oil bottles, tons of shotgun shells, condoms, couches, and even huge rolled up carpet remnants.

All of this makes me shake my head and wonder how people just like me, who LOVE the outdoors, could leave all this garbage behind and still be able to sleep at night.

I think that part of the pervasive litter problem can be linked to the fact that we Americans live in a very disposable society.

Nearly everything comes in a container of some sort, we use it once, and then we throw it in a garbage can.

At the end of the week, that garbage is magically taken away never to be seen or thought of again.

We as a society have a huge disconnect when it comes to our garbage and it’s very lasting (and often detrimental) effect it has once it leaves our hands.

For all you litter bugs out there, I get it, I’m not here to judge, but I want you to know that you need to STOP IT; and I am willing to give you some logical reasons as to why.

#1. Bears and wolves. It seems that a fair amount of the folks I cross paths with while out hiking or camping carry a firearm and are happy to explain that they would prefer to be prepared should they encounter a wolf or bear.

Yet I have personally watched these same people remove their firearm once they get to camp, make dinner, and then proceed to burn their garbage and leftover food in their campfire.

It kind-of makes me chuckle, due to the fact that a bear can pick up on a scent from two miles away and a wolf’s sense of smell is 40 times greater than ours!

If you really want to see a wolf or bear, I would say that the delicious aroma of roasting garbage is going to increase your odds exponentially!

If this isn’t your goal, I highly recommend disposing your garbage in a sack, which can be stored in a vehicle at night, or hung high in a tree away from camp; then carried out with you when you leave.

Garbage left behind teaches animals that campgrounds are a cool place to hang out and there’s nothing cool about that.

Just like deer and elk, Tank and Kiff are drawn to garbage and find it irresistible. However, it can also cause deadly obstructions.

So if you love wildlife, don’t leave garbage behind.

#2. Littering is expensive! If you are going to leave your garbage behind, you had better be carrying some serious cash because in the State of Idaho, you can face up to a $1,000 fine!

Now, I know you may be thinking that you will never get caught, but I have to tell you there are lots of people just like me walking around with cell phone cameras.

I would like to say that I take no prisoners when it comes to littering, but if you are found guilty of the crime, you may also receive 30 days jail time.

Littering also hinders the economic growth of an area because investors, as well as the tourists they cater to, are looking for pristine natural beauty.

Our area has some of the finest outdoor recreation in the country and if we keep it clean, tourism can make our area more “green” and that is good for all of us.

#3. You are a good person!

The best reason to not litter is because you are a good person and you realize it is your responsibility to keep the path you travel pristine for the next lover of the outdoors.

By leaving no trace, you also make no work for the next person who, just like Ella and I, will likely feel compelled to haul out your trash.

Instead, they can actually have a great time- just like you did!

As always, we love to hear from you and welcome any comments or questions you may have. You can contact us via email at goattrekn@gmail.com, or follow our daily adventures by liking our Facebook page Goat Trek’n! Happy trails!