Pika Dug

Pika Digestive System
Pika Dogs

Colorado has a unique partnership! Our state tourism office has joined together with Leave No Trace in a first of its kind collaboration to promote the use of outdoor ethics among those visiting Colorado. They launched a new brochure in May 2018 to make it easier to understand and put into practice.

These principles make sense for all of us – visitors or residents.

If you would like to download your copy of the brochure to the right, which includes tips for how to prepare for the outdoors in Colorado as well as living like a local, click on it or Download Here.

The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae, hereafter referred to as “pika”) is a small burrowing colonial lagomorph endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. It is an important ecosystem engineer and has been described as a keystone species ( Lai and Smith, 2003; Smith and Foggin, 1999; Hogan, 2010 ). Pikachu eyed the fruit cautiously, but Charmander dug right in. The mouse looked at the fruit, sniffed it before taking a bite. “Pika!” he dug in too. The two smiled at each other.

A pika (/ ˈ p aɪ k ə / PY-kə; archaically spelled pica) is a small, mountain-dwelling mammal found in Asia and North America. With short limbs, very round body, an even coat of fur, and no external tail, they resemble their close relative, the rabbit, but with short, rounded ears. The large-eared pika of the Himalayas and nearby mountains is found at heights of more than 6,000 m (20,000 ft. Strike first, strike hard, No Mercy!!! Get the new Cobra Kai game here!!!

Learn more about the full Leave No Trace Principles as well as Stay the Trail for motorized recreation below.

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are the bedrock of the Leave No Trace program. They provide guidance to enjoy our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts. The principles have been adapted so they can be applied in your backyard or your backcountry.

Note: click any of the headers below for a much deeper explanation on each principle.

We encourage all who enjoy outdoor recreation to adhere to the following principles from Leave No Trace.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

Pika Digestive System

In popular areas

Pika Dogs

Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

In pristine areas

Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

4. Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

6. Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Visit the Leave No Trace Homepage to learn more about Leave No Trace program.

The beauty of Colorado’s public lands. To some, it’s the backyard; to others, a much-needed vacation. To everyone, it’s something to be treasured and enjoyed responsibly. Responsible use includes protecting the natural resources, sharing the trails with other users, and riding safely and in control. And remember, in Colorado, we stay the trail!