The Club’s Minimum Impact Bushwalking Code helps ensure we remain among the most benign of all users of recreation land in Western Australia. The Code encourages members to follow good bushwalkers' standards to minimise their impact on the environment, including leaving behind no rubbish, and ensuring good bush hygiene and sanitation.
The Code promotes the following:
Campsites
- Use an existing campsite rather than make a new one in the same area. Setting up camp will be easier and additional ground cover will not be damaged.
- Leaders should limit the size of their party, especially in sensitive areas.
- Minimise damage to flora and fauna by taking care in selecting how and where you camp.
Campfires and Stoves
- Strictly obey all regulations regarding campfires and fire bans.
- Fires should not be lit in sensitive areas, or areas with a shortage of firewood. Stoves must be used in high-use areas (note: in some areas of Australia regulation prescribes "stove only" areas).
- Use established fire sites wherever possible. By preference use a “pit” fire and bury ashes. Use only dead wood for campfire fuel and ensure sufficient cleared area is maintained around fires and stoves for the prevailing conditions.
- Don't make fires near trunks of trees, on roots, on peaty soil, or where the fire could spread or be difficult to extinguish.
- Keep a suitable fire suppressant handy to control the fire should it begin to spread. (eg. water or sand).
- Once fire remains are cold, bury them and spread leaf litter or soil over the fire site. Distribute unused firewood and minimise the visual impact.
- Don't dispose of aluminium foil or cans by burning (note: some material may be lined with foil, leaving an unsightly and non-biodegradable mess). Don't dispose of other material unless the fire is very hot and you are sure that it will be reduced to ash. Avoid producing noxious smoke. When in doubt carry it out!
- Exercise great care with stoves. Do not allow excess pressure, which may cause safety valve ignition.
Sanitation
- Bury human wastes. Dig a 200mm (8”) deep hole - a “cat hole” - at least 100m away from any open water.
- Disposal of human waste at heavily used campsites requires more effort. Go further away!
- Wash well away from streams and ensure that any soap, detergents or food refuse does not enter water ways and water sources. When cleaning utensils use gritty sand rather than detergents.
Rubbish
- Apply the "carry in, carry out" rule. This applies to orange peel, fruit cores, sanitary items, seeds and egg shells. (Remember to take some plastic bags and wherever possible carry out rubbish left by other parties.)
- Before leaving a lunch spot or campsite check that no rubbish is left.
Tracks and Routes
- Go in small parties and tread carefully. Use stepping stones or boardwalks where provided in eroded areas.
- Limit walking in areas that have been over-used.
Flora and Fauna
- Native flora and fauna should be left undisturbed. Do not kill snakes.
- Do not take domestic animals on bushwalks.
- Report sightings of feral animals, illegal forest grazing, dumping, or illegal use of protected areas (eg. wood cutting or removal of rocks) to park or forest authorities as appropriate.