Lone Peak Wilderness campsite inventory

Our crew is currently in the process of completing a campsite inventory for the Lone Peak Wilderness. Our objective is to find at least 95% of all campsites. This is challenging because many campsites are hidden or well off the beaten path. We hunt for any sign of an off-trail that might lead to a camp site. Many trails turn out to be game trails and in some areas, many turn out to have campsites. Once a campsite is found, we survey it. We measure square footage, number of trees damaged by campers, number of fire scars, number of social trails, mineral soil exposure increase, vegetation loss, distance from water/ trails/ trailhead/ other campsites, etc. Using this information, we can return again within 5 years to re-evaluate the campsites for change. Wilderness managers establish limits of acceptable change and implement regulations when necessary, to stay within that framework. We have completed our inventory of the Silver Lake area and are near completion of the Deer Cr.- Dry Cr. trail. I have been suprised at the level of tree damage we find in many sites. It is common for a site to have over ten damaged or hacked down trees. Much of the tree damage is senseless and many of the trees cut down were poorly selected firewood. Also common is the presence of aluminum foil, toilet paper and small garbage. For anybody interested in assisting us, feel free to collect GPS coordinates on any campsites you may encounter while out hiking in Wilderness areas and email them to us at lonepeakrangers@gmail.com.