Hiking and backpacking are great forms of exercise and recreation. It’s exciting and relaxing for most people to get out in the beauty and wonder of nature. But what about when the environment you are visiting is delicate? Here are several tips to help you enjoy your surroundings without destroying the delicate balance.

Always practice the Leave-No-Trace principles. Plan ahead by knowing the regulations and concerns of the area. Honor all regulations regarding closed areas for wildlife breeding. Camp and travel in small groups rather than large, noisy ones. Avoid popular areas during heavy use times. Leave pets at home while camping in the wilderness.

Learn how to store your food so it is not available to bears and other animals. Several places offer bear-proof containers to use while you camp, often for no charge. Repackage your food into re-usable containers. Avoid tin, aluminum and glass. Reduce the amount of trash you will have to carry out by eliminating unnecessary packaging like cardboard and plastic overwrap. Pack something to put your garbage in.

Select gear and plan the trip to be light and easy on you and the land. Use gear in natural earth tones to reduce your visual impact on the environment. Avoid heavily scented items that can attract unwanted animals or that will leave behind a scent that scares away animals from a needed watering hole.

Make sure that you travel and camp on durable surfaces. Choose a place that has already been used if available. Do not build trenches around your camp. If you are worried about water problems, camp in a higher area. Good campsites are found, not made.

Stay on trails if they exist. Walk in single file in center of path. Use existing trails and do not create switchback or side trails to avoid muddy patches. If traveling off-trail hike on durable surfaces like rock whenever possible. When traveling in delicate wetlands walk on areas that are less wet or in forested areas when possible. Spread out if you are in a group to avoid making new trails. To minimize trail damage, wear as light a boot as possible and safe for conditions. Heavy boots with deep treads compact soils more and tear up trails. Wear camp shoes (sandals or sneakers) to minimize impact and maximize comfort in camp.

Dispose of all waste properly. If you pack it in; you must pack it out! If it was not there when you arrived then don't leave it when you leave! Do not bury trash - animals will just dig it up or it will float up when soils are saturated with water during the wet season. Tin foil and plastic bottles do not burn completely. Pack them out! Pack out the stuff you find that others have left behind. The cleaner a place is the less likely inconsiderate people will feel compelled to trash it. Inspect your campsite and lunch spot before you leave.

Bury human waste in catholes about 6-8" deep at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites or trails. Carry out used toilet paper or burn it in your campfire. Some areas may be very wet, but try to find a spot where you can dig a cathole. Some areas do not allow catholes, so follow the rules on human waste disposal. Wash yourself and your dishes at least 200 feet from water sources; filter your dishwater and carry the food scraps out with your garbage.

Leave nature as you find it. Resist the temptation to collect things, take only pictures and bring back memories. You can't improve the place nature made - don't "improve" campsites by clearing vegetation, adding woodcraft "furniture" or putting nails in trees. If you use a hammock, protect trees with a sock or bandana. Make sure you are allowed to use hammocks where you are hiking.

Consider using a backpacking stove instead of a campfire - your cookset will stay cleaner and so will the backcountry. Many places will not allow fires started in the wilderness. Those areas that do be sure to use established fire rings or place your fire a safe distance from trees and brush and make sure it is extinguished the next day before you leave the area. Scatter the ashes. Leave saw and axe at home (they just weigh a lot) and use only down, dead wood. Be sure you know the rules as to whether you are allowed to cut firewood. Don't peel bark or use rocks for fire rings. The scars left by those practices stay for years. Use small fuels (sticks wrist diameter or smaller) and break into pieces. Be aware of fire bans during dry seasons and honor them.

Most people come to the wilderness to relax and enjoy the solitude. Travel and camp quietly. Radios and other noise devices should be left at home. Camp as far away from other campers as possible. Select earth tone colors for your gear - camping gear and clothing in bright colors stand out in the natural vegetative cover and create a visual intrusion into the landscape. However, hunting season brings a special need to be seen, so wear blaze orange if hiking during hunting season.

Navigate with compass, map and/or GPS to avoid the use of ribbon, cairns and tree blazes. Share your backcountry knowledge and skills, including minimum impact camping and hiking by taking a child along. Teach your neighbor to love the place as much as you do.

By following some simple, common-sense rules, you can enjoy even the most delicate area without causing harm to the surroundings. That way you ensure that those who come behind you have found you faithful and the park as it should be.

Our congressman, Timothy V. Johnson of Northern Illinois Dist 15, posted an article to his web site today that warns Americans about new travel procedures regarding normal vacations that many of us used to take.

Just three years ago, we took a trip to the Bahamas with nothing more than our Illinois driver’s license as our photo I.D.. Soon, you’ll need a passport for most simple cruises like that.

Under new rules passed last year to help ensure the safety of our Nation, travel by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean requires a U.S. Passport.  Other forms of identification are no longer accepted.   On June 1, 2009, land and sea travel will be added
to the passport requirement. 
      I want to ensure that your travel plans are not affected by a problem with documents.  When traveling out of the country, the safest and best document in your possession is your U.S. Passport. Currently, there is a four-to-six week processing period for a passport., slightly less for a passport renewal. Expedited service of three weeks is available at a higher cost.
        If you are planning to travel later this summer, I urge you to plan ahead and obtain your Passport or passport card as soon as possible.  The following contact information may be of assistance to you:

State Department Travel Website               www.travel.state.gov     
National Passport Information Center          1-877-487-2779
Congressman Timothy V. Johnson Office    1-217-403-4690
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223    

This is a great recipe for fresh salmon made stream-side. I adapted this from Ellie Krieger’s recipe on Food Network. I think it would work well with any firm-fleshed fish, but was excellent with Wild Alaskan Salmon. Have the rub ingredients premixed and stored in a small container.

Olive oil

6 (6oz.) salmon fillets, skin and any pin bones removed

If you have a grill, coat it with oil or use a cast iron grill pan and lightly coat. Preheat this over medium heat. Brush/rub each salmon fillet with a small amount of oil and then rub each fillet with about ½ T. of the spice mixture.

Grill the salmon, flesh side down until charred, 4-5 minutes. Flip the salmon (a pair of tongs and a spatula work well together to do this if you don’t have a fish spatula) and cook another 5-6 minutes. If you are using a grill, keep an eye on the fish so you don’t burn it. If using a grill pan, you have a little more leeway. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

By Stu Marks 

Are you planning a camping trip? Do you feel overwhelmed with all the responsibility involved in preparation? You can plan an exciting trip without forgetting anything and avoid packing your whole house. Preparation is necessary for any outdoor adventure.

Containing the basic supplies and equipment can make a difference in your enjoyment and camping experience. Checklists are a great tool to help with your organization. Your camping list will fluctuate according to the type of camping and activities you have planned for your trip. A list comes in handy as well for the places you are going, the time of year and the length of your trip.

Here is a great camping checklist to get you started:

Shelter and Bedding:

- Tent                                      - Ground cloth/tarp

- Extra stakes                         - Shade Tarp/poles/rope/stakes

- Axe or Hammer                   - Mat for tent entrance

- Sleeping bag                         - Sleeping pad/cot/air mattress

- Headrest/pillow                    - Extra blankets/sheets

- Air pump                               - Repair kit, if needed

- Utility bags for storage

Cooking/Dinning:

- Water                                   - Food

- Charcoal                               - Matches/Lighter  

- Cooler                                   - Can opener

- Camp stove                          - Mess kit

- Campfire grill           - Tongs

-Thermos                                - Skewers/grill forks

- Pots/frying pans                   - Cook utensils/plastic silverware

- Potholders                            - Fire starters

- Tablecloth’s                         - Plastic bowls/paper plates/food storage containers

- Paper towels                         - Trash bags

- Aluminum foil                       - Dish soap

- Napkins                                - Ziploc bags

- Pie irons                               - Paper cups

- Condiments                          - Dish rags/brillo pads

Clothes:

- Shoes/boots                          - Jeans/pants/belt

- Shorts                                   - T-shirts/extra shirts

- Socks/extra socks                - Undergarments

- Hat                                        - Sweatshirts/jacket

- Rain poncho                         - Swim suit/towel

- Laundry bag                         - Sleep clothes

Personal Hygiene:

-Toothbrush                            - Tooth paste

- Wash rags                            - Towels

- Soap                                      - Shampoo/conditioner

- Comb/brush                          - Toilet Paper

- Razor                                    - Nail clippers

- Deodorant                            - Feminine products

- Shower shoes                       - Personal medications

Miscellaneous Items:

- Binoculars                            - Bird guide

- Bug spray                             - Bungi cords

- Camera                                 - Candles

- Cards, games                       - Cell phone/charger

- Clothes pins                         - Compass

- Flashlight                              - Frisbee

- GPS                                      - Knife

- Lantern/fuel                         - Pen and paper

- Sun block                              - Tools

- Water filters                         - Whistle

- Radio                                    - Extra Batteries/bulbs

- Duct Tape                            - Plastic Grocery Bags

- Reservation Info.                 - Contact Numbers

- Umbrella                               - Disinfectant wipes

- Work gloves                         - Alarm Clock

- Drinks/snacks                      - Cooler

- Watch                                   - Scissors

- Money                                  - Radio

- Backpack                             - Park map/guides

- Sunglasses                                       - Camp chairs

- Fishing gear                         - Hammock

- Lantern hanger                    - Popcorn

- Smores                                             - Hotdog sticks

First Aid Items:

- Personal medication            - Bandages

- Aspirin, Tylenol                   - Medical tape

- Sterile gauze                        - Elastic wrap

- Antibiotic wipes                    - Antiseptic cream

- Burn ointment                      - Sunburn lotion

- Hydrogen peroxide - Scissors

- Tweezers                              - Eye wash

- Sanitary napkins                  - Snake bite kit

- Bug repellent                       - Benadryl

* Take a First Aid class and a CPR class -- keep current on this information

* Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container

* Keep the contents organized

* Know how to use everything in your first aid kit

* Inspect content often, re-supply as needed

Insects, pests, and snakes are hazardous in any survival situation. You may be hiking, boating, diving, or just exploring the outdoors and you may encounter some type of pest. Some examples of these pests may be mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, snakes, scorpions, lice, spiders and bees. These insects not only cause irritations, but they also carry diseases that can cause an allergic reaction or make you very ill. So be sure to always carry some form of repellent on you and wear the proper clothing to keep you safe from these pests.

            Ticks can carry and transmit diseases from just one bite. They can spread the most common illness, Lyme disease. In some parts of the U.S ticks can pass on Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be a potentially fatal disease which is caused by an infection from the tick bite. This bacterium is transmitted from three types of ticks: An American dog tick, Wood tick and a Lone star tick. So before heading out remember to educate yourself on the types of ticks you may encounter on your trip. Another insect that transmits diseases are mosquitoes which carry malaria, West Nile , and dengue. Fleas and lice also can transmit diseases with one single bite. Fleas can spread The Plague and lice transmit relapsing fevers and Typhus. Flies also can spread infectious diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. To avoid the complications of insect bites/stings avoid insect-infested areas, use insect repellent, wear the proper clothing for your trip, and keep up on your immunizations.  Avoid wearing any perfumes or sweet smelling sprays/lotions that will draw these pesky little creatures to you.

            If you get bitten or stung, do not scratch the affected area because it can become infected. Inspect your body at least once a day to ensure there are no insects attached to you. If you find ticks attached to your body, cover them with a substance, such as Vaseline, heavy oil, or tree sap, which will cut off their air supply. Without air, the tick will release its hold, and you can remove it. Be sure to remove the whole tick from your body. Use tweezers if you have them handy. Grasp the tick where the mouth parts are attached to the skin. Do not squeeze the tick's body. Wash your hands after touching the tick. Clean the tick wound daily until healed.

            In many survival situations, the capability to start a fire can make the difference between life and death. Fire can fulfill many needs in order to stay alive in the outdoors. Fire can offer warmth and comfort. It cooks and preserves food that one needs to stay healthy while traveling. Fire also provides heated food which saves calories our body normally uses to produce body heat. You can use fire to purify water, sterilize bandages, signal for rescue, and provide protection from animals. It can be also be a psychological boost to give peace of mind and companionship. You can also use fire to produce tools and weapons. Fire can cause problems and destruction if used in an irresponsible manner. It can cause forest fires or destroy essential equipment. Fire can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning when used in shelters. So when building a fire be responsible about it and make sure your camp site allows fires.

            Understanding the crucial principles is the first step to creating a fire for survival means. When you apply heat to fuel it produces gas, and then combined with oxygen in the air creates a burning fire. Understanding the important concepts of fire is the safest way to maintain and generate a fire. The three notions that characterize a fire are, air, fuel and heat. Having all three components is needed for the fire to burn. If you do not contain all three of these concepts your fire will burn out. The correct components of a fire are needed to burn safely and at its greatest potential. The only way to master this technique is to practice.

            Before building a fire you should consider the climate and land you will be using. Check for available materials, the amount of time you have and why you need the fire. Look for dry spots that are protected from the wind and are properly placed in relation to your shelter. Make sure your supply of wood or other forms of available fuel are nearby. If your surrounding environment is made up of wooded and/or brush, clear the area before starting any kind of fire. Scrape the surface soil from the spot you have chosen to build your fire. To decrease the chances of your fire spreading clear the area of at least 1 meter in diameter to avoid destruction. If the conditions are permissible allow yourself to construct a firewall made from stones or logs. This wall will help keep the direct heat within the fire allowing the fire to burn longer. It will also lessen the wind effects on the fire and keep sparks from flying around. Remember you will need some wind to keep the fire burning.

            There are three types of substances you need to build a fire. These substances are tinder, fuel and kindling material. Tinder is a dry substance that needs very little heat to ignite. A small spark will get the fire burning with the right forms of tinder. Keep in mind that your tinder needs to be very dry in order to get a spark ignited. Fuel is a less flammable matter that burns slow and steady once lit. Remember not to over-due it on the fuel, which may result in a serious injury. Kindle material is what you add to your tinder to keep the fire burning. Kindling materials should also be very dry to guarantee a burning fire.     

 Below is a list of material that can be used to start a fire:

            - Tinder:

            * Dead Grass/ferns/moss          * Dry cattails

            * Straw                                    * Thistle

            * Charred Cloth                       * Dead palm leaves

            * Sawdust                                * Fine wood shavings

            * Gun powder                          * Wax paper

            * Lint                                       * Tree bark

            * Dead evergreen needles

            - Kindle Material:

            * Small slivers or wood

            * Heavy cardboard

            * Flammable wood saturated with, gasoline, oil or wax

            * Small twigs

            - Fuel:

            * Dried animal manure

            * Animal fat

            * Coal, oil, shale

            * Dry knotted grass bunches

            * Finely split green wood

            * Dry branches/standing wood

            There are many different ways to build your fire pit, which depends on the situation you are in. There is the common Teepee technique in which you arrange a few branches/sticks in the shape of a cone. Then fill the center with some kindle material to the center of your tepee and light it. As the fire burns the tepee your outer sticks will fall inward which feeds the fire. This type of method will work well with wet wood. Then there is the Cross-Ditch method that requires some digging, if time allows. To use the cross-ditch system draw a cross or “X” about 25-30 centimeters in the ground. When drawing your cross or “X” make it at least 8 centimeters deep. In the center of your marking, build up a large amount of tinder to generate a strong fire. Then build a pyramid of kindling material above you tinder. Creating this pyramid and shallow ditch will allow air to sweep under your tinder to provide a draft to keep the fire burning. There is also the Pyramid process to building a fire. This method works well at night when you have to sleep to build your strength for the next day. To position this fire just place two or three small twigs or logs parallel on the ground. Next place a solid sheet of small sticks across the parallel logs in the opposite direction. Continue this process three or four more times. Build upward making the layers smaller as you get to the top. Then make a starter fire at the top letting the fire burn downward slowly igniting the logs below. This system gives burning fire that requires no attention during the night.

            There are many different ways to light a fire. The use of matches always works as long as the wind is not blowing too much. Make sure these matches are waterproof and store them in a waterproof container. There is the old eye glass lens method that will only work on a bright sunny day. You can also use a lens from a camera, binoculars or a magnifying lens. Position the lens on top of your tinder to focus the sun’s rays. Hold the lens over your tinder until you begin to see smoldering smoke. When you see smoke lightly fan or blow into your flame, adding a little fuel to create your burning fire. Gunpowder can also be used as a tinder source to light a fire. This method will only work if you have ammunition with your equipment. Carefully extract the bullet from the shell casing, collecting the gunpowder as your tinder. Sprinkle the powder on top where your fire will be burning. A small spark will ignite the gun powder so be careful not to stand to close to your fire pit.  

            Keep in mind that when the time calls for building a fire for whatever reason; be very careful when igniting your fire and keeping it lit. Some helpful hints to consider are collect needed materials for your fire along your trail. Keep any and all firewood dry and close to your campsite. If wood becomes damp keep it near the fire for it to dry out. Add insect repellent to the tinder to keep it fresh. Most importantly make sure your fire is put out completely before leaving camp.