#RecreateResponsibly: Creating a Safe, Welcoming Outdoors for All
We all have to work together to keep each other safe from the dangers of COVID-19. But we also can work together to keep each other safe in another, vital way.
Summer is here! It's a time for outdoor adventures and family vacations. It's a time for people to come together. But this year, coming together looks different. We all have to work together to keep each other safe from the dangers of COVID-19. But we also can work together to keep each other safe in another, vital way.
The Recreate Responsibly Coalition is releasing an update to its tips, initially released in May, for safely recreating outdoors. The last month also has served as a vital reminder that we all can contribute to making society and the outdoors more inclusive and equitable, where everyone feels welcomed. The coalition has added a new foundational principle, calling on all of us to do our part to help build a safe and welcoming outdoors for all identities and abilities.
The coalition came together two months ago as a group of two dozen organizations based in Washington, including Washington Trails Association. Since then, the group has grown into a diverse, nationwide community of more than 500 businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, outdoor media and influencers. Members of the coalition share a love of the outdoors, a desire to help everyone experience the benefits of nature, and a belief that by sharing best practices, people can get outside safely and help keep our parks, trails and public lands open.
The overall #RecreateResponsibly message remains simple: We all have a role to play in keeping people, places and communities safe as we enjoy the outdoors this summer and beyond.
Learn more:
- Get additional tips on hiking in the time of COVID.
- Explore how you can help eliminate racism in the outdoors (and beyond).
- Download the #RecreateResponsibly toolkit to help spread the word
Comments
Debbie Fir on #RecreateResponsibly: Creating a Safe, Welcoming Outdoors for All
Hi all...I’m very appreciative in general of the vast work of the WTA, but disappointed in how the WTA is communicating with its membership and people who access it’s website....about Coronavirus safety. It is not possible on many trails to keep 6 feet apart from others, when passing. It seems very important for hikers to understand that when approaching people to pass them that masks are worn. I have been hiking and noticing that not enough people are masking up when passing others. Your guidance around safety in hiking is not sufficient and it is embedded in your website—only available with clicking on it. I want to see you have instructions for keeping distance and masking up when passing others on hikes....right up on your webpage opening. I want to see emails out to members reminding them of this. Please help. The Federal Government will not be assisting and providing guidance. I implore you! Please do what is right for the health of hikers on trails in our state. Thanks-Debra Mowat
Posted by:
Debbie Fir on Jul 17, 2020 09:21 AM
Jen S on #RecreateResponsibly: Creating a Safe, Welcoming Outdoors for All
I second Debbie's comment. Let's keep everyone around us safe, as well as those we interact with later. We know masking helps, so please state it clearly and loudly.
Posted by:
Jen S on Jul 17, 2020 11:31 AM
hikingswede on #RecreateResponsibly: Creating a Safe, Welcoming Outdoors for All
Don't worry about that. When you're outdoors, you move about 4 ft/second, and you breathe about once every other second. It means that when you pass or meet someone, they will get at most one breath from you, and you from them, before you're more than 6 feet apart again. That is *NOT* enough to catch this virus, you have to have extended exposure to become infected. So enjoy, and just keep distance!
Posted by:
hikingswede on Aug 02, 2020 01:15 PM
Quantum Guru on #RecreateResponsibly: Creating a Safe, Welcoming Outdoors for All
Hey Hikingswede! I do worry about it. So many variables! How fast are you really moving? Is your trail level or gently downhill, or are you huffing and puffing vigorously on a steep uphill section? Is there a strong breeze blowing across the trail, or a gentle breeze carrying your breath up or down along the trail, or is the air completely still? Six feet? Sometimes that may be adequate. But a virus doesn't just vanish into thin air. The hiker you encounter may interpret the situation differently, and may have a very different comfort level. Why not show a bit of extra courtesy and pull up a mask or bandana as soon as another hiker appears? Our world has enough stress already.
Posted by:
Quantum Guru on Aug 04, 2020 04:05 PM