I have certainly noticed an increase in the number of people taking advantage of the wonderful outdoors since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and rightfully so.
It has become abundantly clear that Joe Public can play a huge role in controlling the spread of this virus by simply staying home as much as possible and practicing social distancing during those times when they must enter the masses.
However, I suppose a lot of folks are growing stir crazy. Fortunately, the experts recognize that one can only stay cooped up for so long and maintain their sanity.
That in mind, many have suggested that this is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of what many consider as Arkansas' greatest natural resource. Yep, our forests and waterways are vast. And they are a perfect location where we can still practice social distancing while enjoying a little fresh air.
I, too, will utilize the outdoors as a reprieve from the current pandemic. And with 1.8 million acres of national forest, miles of running rivers and thousands of miles of shorelines containing our area lakes, I am confident we have ample space in the Ouachitas where those of us with a passion for Mother Nature can get out and enjoy clean, fresh air while still implementing healthy practices.
Don't get me wrong. I am most concerned about the health of my fellow man, during these times of uncertainty. But I also have yet another concern. I think it is imperative to also consider steps that should be taken to ensure the well-being of our forests, lakes and rivers during a time when what I suspect will be a record number of people will be utilizing the outdoors.
My bride and I recently embarked upon a drive to a section of the Ouachita National Forest situated in western Arkansas. To say I was surprised by the number of people we saw kicking around in this section of the forest would prove an understatement.
We saw hoards of off-road vehicles traversing the dirt roads. We happened upon several campsites, equestrian enthusiasts were enjoying their favorite outdoor activity, folks were fishing, while hikers and backpackers were meandering along the designated trails.
I then began to ponder the number of people I had noticed on Lake Ouachita during the previous week. Vehicles galore were parked at designated launching sites. It seemed as if a boat was situated on practically every point, and we noticed several tents pitched on islands.
Although several of the locations where I prefer to fish were already hosting others upon my arrival, I was somewhat glad to see that Mother Nature was providing so many with a reprieve from remaining in the confinements of the structures that they refer to as home.
It was good to see folks enjoying stints in the outdoors. However, I couldn't help but consider how important it was to tread lightly during our excursions.
First and foremost, it is of utmost importance to take all precautions to ensure our forests and waterways remain pristine. I am confident that most of the people reading this column are responsible stewards of the outdoors. However, I still feel compelled to throw these thoughts out there, as a reminder that we must expect others to do the same.
I have happened upon locations, during previous excursions, where trash had been strewn by others. In fact, it's not uncommon to find campsites that are littered with soda cans, beer cans, cigarette butts, food wrappers and dirty diapers.
I'm confident that many who are reading this have experienced the same scenarios. And I suppose it also left them overwhelmed with disgust.
I have happened upon riparian areas that had been destroyed by those who were either clueless or did not care that they were entering a very fragile environment. And I can't count the times when I have noticed trash that has washed along the edge of the shorelines of our lakes and rivers.
I have previously replaced seals on my lower unit that were destroyed as a result of anglers pitching fishing line into the water. And unfortunately, there are many who failed to recognize seal issues early enough to repair the problem before they eventually had to spend a bundle replacing internal parts.
I'll reiterate that I am truly confident that most of the people reading this are not guilty of trashing Arkansas' greatest resource. And I hope that those who are concerned about the well being of the outdoors will be quick to kindly remind those who are not so mindful that it is the responsibility of each and every individual utilizing our streams, rivers, and forests to be good stewards, leave them cleaner than we found them and be aware of what we can do to ensure they remain pristine and healthy in the years to come.
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record.
Editorial on 04/01/2020