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Posted by f_klock on November 19, 2007 at 8:34:03 pm EST
In reply to Re: building a campfire - sometimes it's just not right posted by rambler on September 26, 2007 at 12:59:18 pm EDT

Some time ago I attended a Leave No Trace educator’s course and this was a "Hot" topic.

As darkness fell and the discussion continued on, the instructor quietly lit a single candle lantern and placed it on a flat rock in the middle of the group. Before long, we all got quiet began to stare at the candle, just the way you would stare at a campfire. Point made by the instructor.

Something to ponder: Building a new fire in pristine wilderness (or anywhere else for that matter) sterilizes 9 cubic feet of organic soil. Nothing will grow in that spot for a v-e-r-y long time. (LNT opines that if a ring exists it's OK to use it, but it is NOT a requirement!)

The following is an exerpt from the LNT website:

"The use of campfires, once a necessity for cooking and warmth, is steeped in history and tradition. Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Campfire building is also an important skill for every camper. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. The development of light weight efficient camp stoves has encouraged a shift away from the traditional fire. Stoves have be come essential equipment for minimum-impact camping. They are fast, flexible, and eliminate firewood availability as a concern in campsite selection. Stoves operate in almost any weather condition, and they Leave No Trace."

For more about this subject from LNT visit http://www.lnt.org/programs/lnt7/campfires.html

Now chew on this: In some areas where bear activity is high, some bears have begun to associate the smell of a campfire, with food. Ah, remember the good 'ol days when animals ran from fire!

My opinion: Build a fire if your life depends on it. Otherwise, dress for the weather and pack a stove.

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• Re: building a campfire - sometimes it's just not right - calamity (Guest) 21:42:19 11/19/2007

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