What happens when hundreds of people shit in the woods?

There are times when hundreds of people invade the Clear Creek Management Area. While many of them disperse themselves into the backcountry, most crowd the lower region along Clear Creek. They eat good food, they have fun ... and at some time during their visit - they poop.

So why is this such an important topic that we feel a need to discuss it here?

Well it's a very important topic, primarily because there are flies in the wood too and there are two things that flies like to do: they love poop and they like to bother you, especially at mealtime.

So, what happens when hundreds of people poop in the woods? Well if they don't do it properly, they, their friends and other visitors could get sick. They get sick because of bacterial contamination that occurs to food when flies land on uncovered poop and then carry some that poop to an outdoor kitchen. It also occurs when people wipe their ass and then neglect to disinfect their hands before handling food or picking their nose. You also contribute to disease vectoring among the animals and you create a very unsightly mess. Here are a few simple things we can do to prevent this problem:

1. Poop in designated latrines or holes dug in the ground and cover your deed with dirt.
2. Wash your hands with bleach-water after you wipe. Hopefully you also use some soap as well.
3. Poop far away from water.
4. For group encampments, away from BLM provided latrines, designate and build a simple slit-trench latrine. The trench should be at least one foot deep and long enough to accommodate your group. Use the trench beginning at one end and cover your mess with dirt when finished. Cover it enough so that it won't attract flies, but not so much that it waste trench area. Be sure to completely cover the trench and restore the area before leaving.

Example of a Dangerous Open-Air Latrine - Notice the Toilet Paper Flags Hanging on the Bushes

Be sure to check with the BLM Field Office for the latest camping rules.