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Leave No Trace |
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The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Limited ( CMCA ) has established the ‘Leave No Trace Self Containment Code of Conduct’ scheme. The CMCA has long been at the forefront of promoting environmentally responsible camping and overnighting. The ‘Leave No Trace’ scheme is a major milestone in the Club’s efforts of demonstrating to Councils and other authorities that self-contained vehicles need not have a negative impact on the environment, even if a campsite has no facilities.
Members who participate in the ‘Leave No Trace’ scheme must have a vehicle that has the capacity to retain ALL waste within the confines of the vehicle, and leave no trace whatsoever of its visit to a site. To qualify, vehicles must carry a minimum of 20 litres of fresh water, have a grey water holding tank with a minimum capacity of 5 litres per person or 15 litres per person if the vehicle is fitted with a shower, and have a portable toilet cassette or black water holding tank with a minimum capacity of the smallest portable toilet cassette.
Vehicle owners must sign a declaration that they will comply with the Leave No Trace Code of Conduct at all times. Vehicles that have qualified for the scheme display a sticker on the front windscreen, or for towed units, on the window closest to the entrance door, and the vehicle owner carries documentation of proof of their participation in this scheme. This documentation can be produced upon request.
The CMCA acknowledges that it is a privilege for mobile travellers to be allowed access to controlled areas, and will strive to develop and maintain the credibility and integrity of the Leave No Trace Self Containment Code of Conduct scheme to ensure that mobile travellers comply with its environmental and ethical standards. The efforts of the CMCA in promoting responsible travelling will not only benefit its Members, but will bring considerable benefits to local Councils and communities.
Code of Conduct
1. To stay in any Rest Area for a maximum of 5 nights, unless otherwise posted, or for the period that the Accommodation Vehicle can be self contained. If the vehicle capabilities are 2 days this will become the limit. If the vehicle’s capability is for longer than 5 days, 5 days shall be the limit, unless otherwise posted.
It is obvious that every user of an RV has differing demands of their RV and will use the facilities on board in a manner that suits their needs and travelling habits. For example, some users will require more in the way of water per day than others. The use of public facilities will also need to be taken into account in determining the capacity of an RV. It is therefore difficult to determine an exact amount of water that is required for any RV for a given period of time. If your RV has limited facilities, these limitations must be taken into account when staying in one location. It is incumbent on all users of the Leave No Trace scheme to honour their Declaration and adhere to their RV’s limitations according to the spirit of the Code of Conduct. Remember to use water wisely and respect any local water restrictions.
2. To obtain permission to stay from the relevant authority where applicable, and to obey any posted regulations. It may be necessary to obtain a permit from the controlling authority. In some instances a fee may be payable. Where authorities have posted signs, these will override any other considerations.
Respect any location that may not be sign posted or listed in any publication. Many locations throughout the country, especially in more remote regions, offer the opportunity to stay overnight. Please remember that these locations will only be available if you uphold the spirit of the Code of Conduct. Respect any person of authority that may request you to move on.
3. To not use awnings, chairs or barbeques unless in a designated camping area. Be aware of my surroundings and only camp in appropriate areas. For example, it may not be acceptable to set up overnight camp in a roadside rest area.
Not all locations are suitable for camping. Many locations may be suitable for just one nights rest. Please use good judgment when you decide to ‘set up camp’. Members of the public are sympathetic to an overnight rest, but are not so sympathetic to those who set up camp in an inappropriate location. Camp fires and laundry hanging from trees are certain to attract unwanted attention. Please only ‘camp’ in locations that are obviously ‘camping’ locations.
4. To not drive in any area or use hydraulic jacks or other levelling devices such as wooden blocks when damage may occur to soft surfaces. Heavy vehicles may damage soft surfaces through inappropriate use of levelling blocks or jacks. Driving any vehicles on soft surfaces may cause damage.
Many locations are hard based but some are grassed. These areas can easily be damaged. Authorities will be reluctant to allow the use of these locations if users cause damage to surfaces that would require continual maintenance. Users of large, heavy vehicles should be especially cautious where they park.
5. To always leave an area cleaner than I find it.
It is very easy to spend five or ten minutes picking up garbage in a rest area. This single act will do more for your welcome than almost any other act. Please use a pair of gloves and put any rubbish into a plastic bag and place into any bins at the location.
6. To always take care of the natural environment. If they are permitted, keep camp fires small, and
do not collect firewood from inappropriate areas. Do not cut living foliage, pick wild flowers or disturb
wildlife.
7. To park my vehicle so as not to obstruct reasonable passage, exit or access to other vehicles
or property.
Please be courteous and do not park in a manner that impedes the movement of other vehicles.
Many rest areas also serve as access points for local properties. Be aware of any tracks or gates. Do
not park in rest areas that are used by heavy transports in a manner that impedes their movements.
Always try to park to one side so that they can see you as they enter the area. Trucks are an
important part of our economy, and the misuse of rest areas by RV’s may jeopardise the privilege to
use the site.
8. To not park overnight or camp within line of sight of a Caravan Park unless in an approved
overnight rest area.
Caravan parks are an important part of the RVing way of life. It is essential that we support caravan
parks whenever it is possible. However, we need to realise that not all caravan parks support
stopping in locations other than in a commercial park. Please do not provoke any adverse response
by parking where this may happen.
9. To dispose of all rubbish, and grey and black water in an appropriate manner. All grey and
black water MUST be retained in holding tanks or suitable sealable containers at all times, unless
permitted to drain grey water onto the ground by a controlling authority.
This is the key to the Leave No Trace scheme. When you leave a site, ensure that you only leave
tyre marks. Wherever practically possible, use public dump points and rubbish bins.
Before setting out to remote areas, ensure that grey and black water holding tanks are empty. Where
there is absolutely no alternative, please refer to the CMCA Bush Camping Code.
10. To display the Leave No Trace vehicle sticker on the front passenger side of my vehicle windscreen, or for towed units, on the window closest to the entrance door, and to
remove it prior to my disposing of the vehicle.
11. To purchase fuel, food or supplies as a form of thanks, whenever feasible.
As you travel this country, be aware that the various authorities have made many locations available
to you, to encourage you to stay in their area. A simple way of showing your appreciation to these
authorities is to patronise business in the area. Authorities will support your visits, especially if their
constituents are happy and supportive of the facilities that the authorities have supplied.
The Regulating Authority of the Leave No Trace Self Containment Code of Conduct Scheme is the Campervan and Motorhome Club of AustraliaLtd. ABN 16 095 568 157
49 The Avenue, Wickham NSW 2293 (02) 4978 8788 Copyright CMCA 2007
Members only can apply here to participate in the Leave No Trace scheme.
Members of other Rv clubs can apply through their club.