What happens when you're in the wilderness and you have to poop? If you don't know the answer to that, this is for you. Unburied poop is wreaking havoc on our backcountry and managing it begins with you!

Why Is It a Problem?

Unburied poop and toilet paper is a big burden for land managers to deal with. It takes time and resources, many of which our land managers are short on to begin with. Many areas, including dispersed camping spots, have started to restrict camping or have implemented permit systems to try to subside the issue. You can read all about the damage it can cause here.

Not only is it a time management issue, but it also has harmful bacteria and viruses in it. This bacteria can get into waterways and harm wildlife, dogs, other humans, and can be a huge public health concern. AKA don't do it! 

How to Bury Your Poop

Burying your poop is standard practice in most places. According to Leave No Trace, here are the steps for burying your poop properly:

1. Find a private location that is at least 200' (around 75 paces) away from trails, waterways and campsites. This is to ensure everyone's poop isn't buried in the same areas and that it cannot contaminate waterways. 
2. Dig a hole 6-8" deep using a camp shovel or trowel
3. Poop in the hole and wipe
4. Put the toilet paper IN the hole or pack it out in a ziploc bag. Toilet paper must be buried or packed out; never leave it scattered on the ground. 
5. Fill the hole with dirt and disguise it using rocks, leaves and other natural materials. 
6. Sanitize hands to avoid spreading germs.

When & How to Pack It Out

Burying your poop is not recommended in certain areas, including deserts, alpine environments and high-traffic areas (think 14,000' peaks, river trips and areas like Moab). These environments are fragile and typically have low moisture levels in the soil, which make it difficult for poop to decompose. If that's the case, you need to pack it out! 

How to Pack Out Your Poop 

1. Find a private spot away from trails and campgrounds.
2. Take the inner bag that has a deodorizing powder in it, hold it open and poop.
3. Use toilet paper to wipe and add it to the inner bag. 
4. When finished, seal the inner bag by tying a knot (or using a ziploc) in the top of the plastic opening. Be sure to gently squeeze out the air of the inner bag prior to closing. 
5. Place the inner bag in the outer bag and seal. 
6. Sanitize your hands to prevent germs from spreading. 
7. Carry the bag to the nearest trash receptacle. 

WAG Bags are great solutions for these kinds of situations. They're great to have on-hand if you need them, and if you don't, well at least you were prepared.

The Telluride Tourism Board has also teamed up wtih Gunnison Crested Butte and PACT Outdoors to provide free backcountry bathroom kits this summer to reduce human waste. PACT Outdoors kits include PACT wipes, which are dehydrated compressed wipes that unfold with a squirt of water, PACT Tabs, which are small wooden plugs with mycelium spores to help break poop down faster, and a small ergonomic shovel. You can stop by the Telluride Visitors Center at 236 W. Colorado Ave. and pick up one for yourself (while supplies last). You an read more about it here.