Waskahegan Trail Association - Rules

1. CLUB REPRESENTATIVE'S AUTHORITY
   Members and guests (Participants) must recognize the authority of the Hike Leader or Trip Organizer and follow any additional rules they set up for Waskahegan Trail Association (Association) events. Events can be cancelled or modified at the discretion of the Hike Leader. Club Representatives have the authority to:
   1. Remove or reject any person from participation if they are not in condition for the Event. This is a safety issue and also helps assure the enjoyment of the other Participants.
   2. Manage the group by adjusting the pace of the Event to meet everyone's needs. Participants are expected to expected to commit to the entire Event and stay together on the trip to/from as well as during the Event.
   3. Terminate the event if there is an emergency and/or injury or let someone help the injured back to transportation or medics. The volunteer will be required to be familiar with the way back.
   
   
2. MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION - ANTI-SPAM POLICY
   Contact information provided by members is solely intended for individual communication and may not be used by a member for mass emails, solicitation, direction to any other website or copied to any other mass email address list. Members wishing to share relevant information may post on our Calendar (participating members see "Calendar Posting" on your left nav under "Events") or Forum (participating members see "Forum" on your left nav under "Resources").
   
   
3. ALCOHOL
   The WTA encourages responsible drinking. Some Events may allow for the purchase and/or consumption of alcohol. We simply ask that you do not overdo it. By consuming alcohol, you give permission to allow Club Representatives to find alternative ways to transport you home/get you to the remainder of the Event or exclude you from the remainder of the Event.
   
   
4. DOGS
   Dogs are not permitted
   
   
5. CHILDREN
   Children are permitted must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian (see the WTA FAQs for more information). Parents are responsible for knowing and complying with the current legislation respecting the need for car seats, etc. for children.
   
   
6. PHOTOGRAPHY
   All Participants are encouraged to document the Event; however we stress you take extra measures to protect your equipment from undergoing damage. Also note that, during the Event, Club Representatives may be taking photos for use on the web site, in newsletters or other promotional materials. By participating in a Club Event, you are granting the Club permission to reuse these photos of you in such a manner.
   
   
7. LEAVE NO TRACE
   When participating in an Adventure Sport, we ask that you leave a clean trail and unlittered camp. We encourage you to clean up after others that have come before you, as much as you can. This allows others to enjoy the trail and camp, as you did.
   1. Stay on the trail. Do not create shortcuts. Shortcuts can cause erosion and damages the trail and trail environment. (Report any fallen trees or misuse of the trails to the club President, Rob Faulds).
   2. Carry out all litter. Leave the campsite and trail cleaner than you found it. If there is preexisting litter, please dispose or take with you as much as you can.
   3. Do not remove and take with you pieces of nature that you may encounter on the trail. 
   4. Protect water sources. Do not use soap in streams/lakes. Wash yourself, utensils, and clothes away from all water sources.
   5. Bury human waste. Where privies are not available, dig a "cathole" at least 6 inches deep and cover afterward. You should be at least 100 yards from any water source or camping area. Do not leave toilet paper above ground.
   6. Sterilize all drinking water. Treat water with iodine tablets, filter or boil before consuming.
   7. Take care with food. Animals frequent camp/picnic areas. If staying overnight, hang food at least 10 feet above ground and away from the trunk of the tree. Leaving food in your automobile is fine, if possible. Also, never leave smelly products (like toothpaste) in your tent.
   8. Be careful with fires. Use campstoves for cooking. Use only downed wood for campfires and keep them small. Never leave a fire unattended and always extinguish them with water. Some areas have fire bans along the trail, so be sure to check before starting a fire.
   
   
8. FIRST AID
   Event Attendees are responsible for their own First Aid care and are encouraged to carry a first aid kit, and have first aid training.
   
   
9. WILDLIFE
   Treat wildlife with respect. Always observe from a safe distance. The WTA does not encourage or condone approaching wild animals or attempting to feed them.
   
   
10. FIREARMS/WEAPONS
    Firearms/weapons are prohibited on all Events.