With more and more people taking pride in caring for the world around them, the impact overlanding has on the environment has been something of a hot topic in recent years. Without the right interventions, the use of overland vehicles can have a negative impact on the natural world as wildlife biologist and science writer Kellan E. Parker explains:
“ Off-road vehicles (ORVs) have the capability of affecting a natural space on multiple scales. With the increasing trend in overlanding in recent years, there are amplified disturbance levels throughout a single area and can result in permanent or long-term damage. ORVs can impact the soil, watersheds, vegetation, wildlife, natural habitats, water, air quality, etc.”
Before you pack up your overland gear for good however, there are a few rules you can follow to turn these negatives into positives rather quickly. It all starts with the following principles from outdoor ethics initiative Leave No Trace.
Be prepared
The secret to any successful overlanding trip is to plan ahead. Forward planning can also help to minimise environmental impact during your journey. By gaining a solid understanding of your surroundings during the trip ahead, you can keep everyone safe, and the settings you encounter clean and clear.
You’ll need to be aware of any rules, regulations or special concerns associated with the areas you plan to visit. Being prepared for hazards, emergencies and extreme weather will minimise damage whilst on route too.
If you plan to visit specific hotspots, devise an itinerary where you visit popular haunts at off-peak times to prevent high usage and large crowds.
Consider your route
While the road less travelled is always appealing to avid adventurers, land, vegetation, other foliage and waterways can become damaged easily, and this will have a lasting impact on local ecosystems. Avoid unstable trails and trampled areas, and instead stick to established routes that are a minimum of 200 feet away from natural water sources (such as lakes and streams) when travelling or camping.
Leave spaces as you find them
It goes without saying that any waste generated on your trip should be taken with you. This includes rubbish, leftover food and litter.
Never burn waste, and wash dirty dishes or clothes well clear of natural water sources. If you do need to make a campfire, keep it small and burn wood or coal to ash before putting the fire out completely after use.
Spaces should be left how you found them – taking waste away but leaving behind any rocks, plants, natural objects or artefacts. Places need our protection and preservation to be enjoyed by generations to come.
It’s all about respect
Respect the creatures that call the place you are visiting home. View local wildlife from a distance, and avoid feeding animals. If you are travelling with pets, keep them under control at all times. Noise should also be kept to a minimum to ensure everyone can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
For more tips on reducing trail impact when overlanding, please click here.
