Buffalo Peaks Wilderness
Area Management
The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness is part of the 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of lands provides clean air, water, and habitat critical for rare and endangered plants and animals. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. You play an important role in helping to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the requirements outlined below and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.General Wilderness Prohibitions
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. Contact the Forest Service office or visit the websites listed on the 'Links' tab for more specific information.
These general prohibitions have been implemented for all national forest wildernesses in order to implement the provisions of the Wilderness Act of 1964. The Wilderness Act requires management of human-caused impacts and protection of the area's wilderness character to insure that it is "unimpaired for the future use and enjoyment as wilderness." Use of the equipment listed as prohibited in wilderness is inconsistent with the provision in the Wilderness Act which mandates opportunities for solitude or primitive recreation and that wilderness is a place that is in contrast with areas where people and their works are dominant.
Wilderness-Specific Regulations
Wilderness managers often need to take action to limit the impacts caused by visitor activities in order to protect the natural conditions of wilderness as required by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Managers typically implement 'indirect' types of actions such as information and education measures before selecting more restrictive measures. When regulations are necessary, they are implemented with the specific intent of balancing the need to preserve the character of the wilderness while providing for the use and enjoyment of wilderness.The following wilderness regulations are in effect for this area. Not all regulations are in effect for every wilderness. Contact the Forest Service office or visit the websites listed on the 'Links' tab for more specific information about the regulations listed.
ALL VISITORS
PERMITS-
Permits are not required.
All commercial and non-profit groups are required to obtain a Special Use Permit through the local ranger district office in advance of their trip. If you are using the services of an outfitter-guide, be sure they are licensed and have a Forest Service Permit. Ask if you are not sure.
GROUP SIZE-
Group Size is limited to 15. Stock groups are limited to a maximum combination of 25 animals and people, with a maximum of 15 people.
WEATHER-
Weather patterns change quickly. Warm sunny days can turn into powerful electrical storms. Be knowledgeable of the sign of change and be prepared for cold temperatures, rain, and snow. Even in August!
TRAILS-
Please stay on the trails. Cutting switchbacks and avoiding wet and muddy sections can cause severe erosion and multiple paths.
PEAK CLIMBERS and CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVELERS-
Alpine tundra is very susceptible to damage. Walk on durable routes of rock or talus. In the spring, travel on snow and rocks, or plan your trip during drier conditions.
DOGS-
Please remember, dogs must be under control at all times. Dogs must be on a leash if within 100 feet of any National Forest System Trail. Owners whose dog is disturbing wildlife, people or their property can be cited.
PACKSTOCK-
Secure animals 100-200 feet away from lakes, streams and trails. A picket line is less damaging to trees than direct tying. Move stock often when picketing to prevent resource damage.
CAMPING-
Take some time when you reach your destination to find the most appropriate site for you and your group. Try not to pick the first site you see, even if you're tired! Look around, choose a site that is protected, not visible from the trail and is at least 100 feet from trails, lakes, streams or any water source. To minimize impacts please use an existing site.
WASTE-
Soap, even biodegradable, pollutes the water. Dispose of wash water at least 100 feet away from any water source. Bury human waste in a hole 6 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source, trail or campsite. Pack out toilet paper, tampons and left over food; otherwise animals will dig it up. LEAVE NO TRACE!
WATER-
All water can carry giardia, a protozoa that affect the human intestinal system and can cause serious illness. Water can be treated by boiling at least 5 minutes, using iodine tablets or crystals, or filtering.
FIRES-
Campfires are a tradition, but please consider their impacts:
-Dead and downed wood is an important component of the ecosystem.
-Large hot fires or concentrations of charcoal and ash can sterilize soils, leaving them unable to sustain plant life.
-Many visitors consider fire-rings an eyesore.
If you choose to have a campfire consider the following:
-Keep it small in size and limit to evening and early morning hours when the heat is most needed.
-Build your fire in an existing fire-ring that is at least 100 feet from water. Do not build new fire-rings.
-Avoid having fires within 1/4 mile of, or above treeline. Dead wood removed from Krummholz (dwarf trees near timberline) affects their survival.
Learn more about why regulations may be necessary in wilderness.
