'Too much human poop' closes last free campground on iconic American route

Coloradans can learn quite a bit from an ongoing situation taking place in California, in which the popular San Carpoforo Creek Beach campground has been closed for two years due to impacts related to trampling of vegetation, scattering of uncollected trash and debris, collecting driftwood and downed wood for firewood, and excessive human waste. This closure of the popular campground has a big impact on camping accessibility along the iconic Highway 1 and Big Sur coast, as it's become known as the 'only spot' that has allowed free camping in recent years.

This is yet another case where poor treatment of the land and failure to follow Leave No Trace 'best practices' has resulted in limited access.

Each of the issues plaguing San Carpoforo campground can be used to provide important learning examples for Coloradans, too.

Here's a breakdown of each issue and how it applies to outdoor recreation in Colorado:

1. Tramping of vegetation: It's always important to stay the trail and camp in sustainable areas. Failing to do either can cause long-term damage to vegetation, especially in high-alpine terrain that tends to be extremely sensitive. Stay on the trail and camp on hard-packed dirt that's at least 200 feet from any water source. Never alter a site to make it more suitable for camping.

2. Scattering of trash and debris: This one is simple – pick up your trash and other trash you might spot on the trail or at a campsite. In many cases, you can't expect a trash can or other waste receptacle to be present, so bring a large trash bag if needed and be prepared to pack it out.

3. Collecting of driftwood and downed wood for firewood: In general, it's not a good idea to bring 'gas station' wood or wood from home to campsite, as this can potentially transport non-native seeds, tree-killing insects, and plant diseases from one area to another. Instead, collecting wood at the site is recommended where this practice is allowed and when local wood is otherwise unavailable. However, it's also important to collect the right type of wood in a sustainable manner. In general, wood that's collected should be small – no larger than an adult wrist, and already dead and on the ground. That's important both from a fire safety standpoint, as well as when it comes to sustainability. It's also important to collect the wood from a wide area instead of depleting all of the resources from one spot. Remember, just because there's a dead branch on the ground, that dead branch can still help support a lot of life in the form of bugs, fungus, and otherwise.

4. Excessive human waste: Colorado has seen campsites closed over the years related to this very issue. Bring a 'wag bag' to carry waste out of the area as this is the best option. Otherwise, in some places, digging a 'cathole' for human waste can be done. The hole should be about six to eight inches deep and about six to eight inches wide. Pack the toilet paper out – don't leave that behind.

Following 'best practices' when it comes to the Leave No Trace principles is crucial when it comes to preserving the environment and limiting the human impact, as well as when it comes to helping to maintain access to natural areas. Do your part when it comes to leaving no trace as you're camping in Colorado this summer.

Learn more about the Leave No Trace principles here.