Leave No Trace and Dutch Oven cooking class
by Christina King
On April 19, 2003 we enjoyed a great River Etiquette class that taught us how to Leave No
Trace (minimal impact) when traveling along the river and learned about Dutch Oven cooking. The day started out cool but
warmed nicely. 
We did get snow flurries at the end of the
class but it didn't seem to hinder our efforts.
Ranger Rick (who came all the way from Cortez) and
many others brought all sorts of riverside equipment such as toilet systems, kitchen,
dutch ovens, etc...Thanks to Down
River Equipment, Leave No Trace, CWWA and the Private Boaters Coalition everyone
went home with a prize or two.
Ranger Rick's Western River Corridors
Leave No Trace presentation/class surpassed my expectations. River camping, kitchen setup,
washing dishes, firepan placement, ashcan use, toilet systems and practices, soap use, low
impact trails (scouting), and many more topics were covered in the three hour river side
class with hands-on demonstrations. Twenty-four private boaters attended the class and
many other volunteers from other boating organizations pitched in to make this class a
success. 
Due to the deteriorating weather we passed on Tom Rampton's offer
to take us garnet hunting at Ruby Mountain (maybe next time). We had an extra $25
leftover and the group decided to donate the funds to Leave No Trace. Perfect end to a fun day.