Outings
- Group size must conform to local land use policies for trail and camp sites (maximum default size is 12)
- Outings are not longer than three days
- are categorized by difficulty, or skill level required (entry level, intermediate, experienced)
- participants and leaders are screened based on outing category
- provide safety and emergency procedures based on outing type
- communicate Lyme Disease prevention procedures to all participants
- for overnight trips, night time temperatures below 45 degrees require a contingency plan to ensure participant comfort
- follow 'Leave No Trace' principles (see attachment )
- NYS Forest Preserve Regulations
150 Foot Rule. Camping within 150 feet of any road, trail,
spring, stream or body of water except at
camping areas designated by DEC is prohibited.
Wash yourself and your dishes at least 150
feet from water sources. Bury human wastes
under four inches of soil and leaf litter
at least 150 feet from the trail or any water
source.
Designated Campsites. DEC designates backcountry campsites to
keep use to previously disturbed areas,
to
mark locations where camping is acceptable,
and to limit adverse impacts to resources
and other campers. Designated sites are
identified
by DEC sign or disk. Outside of designated
camping areas, backpackers may choose their
own campsites provided they comply with
the
150 foot rule noted above.
Camping Permits. A permit is required if camping on state
land in one location exceeding three consecutive
nights or in a group of 10 or more (regardless
of length of stay). The number of people
per campsite may be limited in certain areas
to reduce environmental and social impacts.
Free permits may be obtained from DEC forest
rangers.
Lean-tos. Do not count on lean-to availability. Occasionally
lean-tos will be relocated or removed entirely.
Often they are already occupied. A lean-to
must be shared with anyone who wishes to
use it, up to capacity. You may not occupy
a lean-to for more than three consecutive
nights unless you have a camping permit.