We love outdoor adventure because of the natural beauty. But to keep things pristine for future generations it is important that we respect the environment when taking part in outdoor activities and on a daily basis in our regular lives.

On March 31^st, 2018 a tractor trailer hauling 29,000 lbs of plastic pellets was involved in a multi-vehicle crash along Route 80 near Tannersville. As a result, several thousand plastic pellets were deposited into the Pocono Creek. Since then, several volunteer clean-up efforts have been organized (pictured above). The goal of these efforts being to find and remove as many pellets as possible, thereby minimizing any environmental damage.

While environmental accidents like this are rare throughout the Poconos, the ongoing risk of environmental contamination is not. The Lehigh and Delaware Rivers attract a significant number of tourists every year. Sadly many of these tourists litter, or to perhaps even leave a fire burning. Ideally, you should want to respect any natural campsite or rest area.

Do Your Part to Respect the Environment

• Not breaking off any tree limbs, or otherwise damaging any trees or plants 
• Not feeding the wildlife
• Keeping all luggage, apparel, and accessories in a specified area (so you are less likely to leave anything behind)
• Bringing along trash bags, and – if possible – separating refuse from recyclables
• Only lighting fires inside of metal rings or burn pits
• Putting out any fires to the extent that every ember has gone gray, and all the smoke has dissipated
• Refusing to deposit any trash – or foreign liquids – into a body of water

Environmental Awareness Begins at Home 

Three times a year, Whitewater Challengers takes part in volunteer clean-up efforts along the Lehigh River and its surrounding areas. But it doesn’t end there. “We all do our best to make sure that our access points and river lunch spots are kept clean and all trash generated by our guests is appropriately disposed of, or recycled,” explains Whitewater Challengers Team Leader – and veteran Lehigh River guide – Katherine Rosenberger. 

According to Rosenberger, if you are a day tripper visiting the Lehigh River, you might want to consider these three steps in an effort to “leave no trace” (That is to say that you leave the environment exactly as you found it): 

1. Avoid bringing a lot of disposable plastic bottles along with you on any hike, rafting trip, or other excursion. There may not always be available trash receptacles. As an alternative, fill up a jug with potable water, and/or bring a squeeze bottle, canteen, or thermos that you can replenish. 
2. “Pack out everything that you pack in,” which means to be fastidious about picking up any pieces of debris that are strewn about rest areas or campsites, etc.
3. Pay it forward by always disposing of at least one piece of trash that is not yours in any open area. Doing so compensates for the litter bugs, and it also sends a message that environmental awareness about doing what is right. 

Keep this post in mind and you’ll have an even more fulfilling day along the Lehigh River, every time. By respecting the environment, Whitewater Challengers ensures that future guests will be able to experience the Lehigh River and its natural beauty. Join us for an adventure and see why we are committed to keeping the river clean.