In the past two weeks, Sustainable Idaho has gone over some of Idaho’s outdoor recreation areas by talking about native plants and the Portneuf Greenway.
Outdoor recreation is a huge industry in Idaho. A recent study found that almost 80% of Idahoans participate in outdoor recreation, generating 7.8 billion dollars annually in consumer spending and supporting 7,800 jobs in the state.
To discuss how to be respectful of our natural environment, and enjoy outdoor recreation in a sustainable manner, previous hosts Scott and Rachael interviewed Justin Dayley, the Director of the ISU Outdoor Adventure Area.
Justin explains that sustainable recreation is when it is possible to repeat an activity over and over again with minimal impacts on the environment. However, Justin noted that all recreation tends to have some effect on the natural landscape.
Much of being a sustainable recreator has to do with common sense and being responsible. Justin explained that he teaches and encourages the ‘Leave No Trace Principles’. The leave no trace principles are made up of seven key concepts of outdoor ethics are designed to minimize the impacts of visiting the outdoors. They include proper waste disposal, being considerate of wildlife and other people, and fire safety. If you want to know more, here is a link to the principles: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are recreating expected to be recreating in Idaho. Justin told us that he has seen an ‘explosion’ in the number of people getting out there and trying new recreational activities. Whilst Justin is happy to be facilitating everybody’s equipment needs at the Adventure Center, he is continuing to advocate for sustainable recreation. He gave a few key tips for our local community, including to be prepared, to dispose of waste properly, to respect wildlife, and to seek permission to access private land.
Thanks very much to Justin Dayley, the Director of ISU’s outdoor adventure center. You can find the adventure center on the first floor of the Pond student union building on ISU’s Pocatello campus.
You can find the adventure center on the first floor of the Pod student union building on ISU’s Pocatello campus.
This interview is from an episode that originally aired on February 4th, 2021, and can be found on the KISU website.
