In wildernesses, it is crucial to minimize our impact on
particularly fragile ecosystems such as mountains, lakes,
streams, deserts, and seashores. Since our recreational use
varies from one season of the year to the next, we must adjust
to these changing conditions as well, to avoid damaging the
environment.
The following regulations are enforced to protect the
Horseshoe Scout Reservation Wilderness Area for you and future
generations:
Low Impact, No Trace camping policies are in effect.
Group Size
To reduce impacts to trails, campsites, other visitors:
·
Group size is limited to 15 people
Permits
·
Advance reservations are required to use this area.
·
At least one person in the group has been formally trained in
Leave No Trace policies, and has reviewed these guidelines
with all participants. See http://lnt.org
·
Contact the HSR Ranger for designated hard-shelter areas to be
used in case of severe weather.
Trails
To protect trail tread and minimize soil erosion:
·
Always travel along established trails
·
Shortcutting switchbacks is not allowed
Campsites
To reduce impacts to soils, vegetation, wildlife and other
visitors and prevent water pollution:
·
Except for designated campsites, overnight camping must be
located at least 200 feet away from a thruway trail and 200
feet away from streams, creeks or springs
·
Camping is not permitted in designated wildlife or ecosystem
recovery areas.
·
The maximum length of stay by any individual or group is three
days (two nights) at one site.
·
Temporary camp structures such as racks, tent frames or
temporary tables will not be nailed or permanently attached to
any trees and must be dismantled after the use period.
·
Toilet use must be at least 200 feet from a campsite or water
source and out of sight of the trail. Human feces must be
buried in a six-inch-deep hole in accordance with Leave No
Trace guidelines.
·
Wash clothes, dishes, and bodies at least 200 feet from any
source of natural water.
·
Emphasize the need for minimizing impact on the land through
proper camping practices, and for preserving the solitude and
quiet of remote areas. Camp at low-use areas; avoid areas that
show signs of heavy use.
Refuse
To keep the Wilderness clean and refuse free:
·
All trash will be packed out and no garbage will be buried or
burned.
PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT !
Campfires
·
Contact the HSR Ranger prior heading to the wilderness areas
to verify current fire conditions and that a fire ban is not
in effect.
·
Open fires are always prohibited except at designated sites.
Campfires are permitted only in established fire rings and are
to be cleaned at the termination of your stay. Use only wood
that is dead and on the ground.
·
Use backpacking stoves, particularly where the natural fuel
supply is limited or open fires are restricted. An adult
knowledgeable in the use of the stove(s) must supervise. If a
fire is necessary, keep it as small as possible and use
established fire lays where available in safe areas. After
use, erase all signs.
·
Cutting or removing standing wood (either dead or alive) is
not permitted without permission from an HSR Ranger.
Motorized/mechanized equipment
·
Primitive tools and means of travel are basic to the
Wilderness experience. Use of a motor vehicle and/or motorized
equipment in any part of the wilderness area is prohibited.
·
The use of chainsaws is restricted to operators who are at
least 18 years old and have taken and passed the Horseshoe
Scout Reservation chainsaw safety training class.
·
Use of a bicycles, ATVs, wagons or carts (including game
carts) is prohibited
Wildlife
·
Do not molest, disturb, or injure the wildlife or their
nesting places and habitat. HSR is their home . . . WE are the
visitors. Treat wildlife with respect and take precautions to
avoid dangerous encounters with wildlife. Leave snakes, deer,
squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife alone.
·
When not being consumed or transported, all food must be
suspended at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet from
the nearest limb or trunk. Cables are provided at established
campsites for this purpose.
·
The use of salt or food for attracting wildlife is prohibited.
General
·
Respect the quest of others to enjoy the solitude and silence
of the backcountry.
·
Look at and photograph; never pick or collect.
·
Demonstrate respect by taking care of the outdoors. Land
stewardship is everyone's responsibility. Do your part to
leave wild America for future generations.
CLICK HERE FOR
THE ONLINE RESERVATION FORM
For additional information contact:
HSR Ranger Office
239 Jubilee Road
Peach Bottom, PA 17563
(Phone) 717-548-3352
(Fax) 717-548-0236
Download the Horseshoe Scout Reservation Wilderness Use
Regulations
(PDF)
here
