Conservation Plan
Click Here for the BRSR Conservation Plan (1.6 MB PDF)
Download the BRSR Resource Project Plan Application (150 KB DOC)
Scoutmaster's Guide to the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation (BRSR) Conservation Plan
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about conservation at the BRSR. It is through your help that conservation becomes a practice all Scouts will follow. This page provides a general overview of the BRSR Conservation Plan to keep the 16,000 reservation acres as enjoyable now and for the future. We know we can accomplish this with your help and your Scout's. Thanks for doing your part.
BRSR Conservation Plan
1. Leaders should provide an Environmental Briefing to Scouts at the start of each day or when program areas change (BRSR RESOURCE GUIDE A-3).
2. All projects on the BRSR require the preparation of a Resource Project Plan and an Environmental Impact Analysis (BRSR RESOURCE GUIDE A-1).
3. Units are encouraged to adopt areas of the BRSR to assist in their management (BRSR RESOURCE GUIDE A-2).
4. Scouts and units have priority on the harvest of resources from the BRSR as provided in the conservation plan. Rare and endangered organisms as well as species of special concern are protected from harvest.
5. No one should bring wood into the BRSR. Firewood will be available in both camps. Use dead and down wood in backcountry areas.
6. Fires for cooking and other purposes should be kept small and extinguished after their intended use. Fires should be placed in established fire rings.
7. Scouts should be reminded to avoid activities that cause air or water pollution, soil erosion, excessive noise, litter, or harass or otherwise disturb wildlife.
8. Scouts and Scouters should report any environmental concerns observed or experienced while on the BRSR to camp staff.
9. Vehicle traffic should be kept to a minimum within developed camp areas.
Hornaday Awards
William T. Hornaday devoted his life to the crusade of wild life protection and was recognized for his efforts by this badge. There are awards for both Scouts and Scouters.
Scouts need to earn three merit badges from the following plus two additional from this group or another group of 14 merit badges; Energy, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Forestry, Public Health and Soil and Water Conservation. Review all requirements for this award and make a commitment this year to start earning the requirements necessary to display the award that demonstrates your dedication to wildlife conservation.
Leave No Trace Award
A good way to protect the backcountry is to remember that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit a friend you are always careful to leave that person's home just as you found it. You would never think of dropping litter on the carpet, chopping down trees in the yard, putting soap in the drinking water, or marking your name on the living room wall. When you visit the backcountry, the same courtesies apply. Leave everything just as you found it.
The Leave No Trace Patch is another BSA award that demonstrates your commitment to conservation. This patch can be earned by Scouts and Scouters.
BSA Wilderness Use Policy
For the purposes of this policy, all privately or publicly owned backcountry and designated wildernesses are to be considered "wilderness." The outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America applies to outdoor behavior generally, but for treks into wilderness, Leave No Trace camping methods must be used. Within the outdoor program of the Boy Scouts of America, there are many different camping skill levels. Camping practices that are appropriate for day outings, long-term Scout camp, or short-term unit camping do not apply to wilderness areas. Wherever they go, Scouts and Venturers must adopt attitudes and patterns of behavior that respect the rights of others, including future generations, to enjoy the outdoors.
BRSR Conservation Projects
Care to tackle a conservation project that can make a difference? Check with the Camp Director for a conservation service project that your unit can do to improve the wildlife habitat or facilities at the Reservation. It provides a learning tool for Scouts to put into practice some of the principles they may learn about conservation, Leave No Trace and the BSA Wilderness Policy. Make it a fun project that will spark the Scout’s interest in preserving the natural resources we use everyday.
Trash
Units are urged to take their trash, garbage, etc. home with them rather than leaving it at BRSR.Food Protection
Care to tackle a conservation project that can make a difference? Check with the Camp Director for a conservation service project that your unit can do to improve the wildlife habitat or facilities at the Reservation. It provides a learning tool for Scouts to put into practice some of the principles they may learn about conservation, Leave No Trace and the BSA Wilderness Policy. Make it a fun project that will spark the Scout’s interest in preserving the natural resources we use everyday.
BRSR Resource Guides
A-1. Resource Project Plan and Environmental
Impact Analysis Guidelines.
A-2. Environmental Area Adoption.
A-3. Environmental Briefing Guidelines
A-4 Special Permit Procedures
A-5 Trail Development Guidelines
NOTE: BRSR Resource Guides are available from the camp office, camp rangers or the Council office. These materials are also available on line at: http://brmcreservation.org.
If you would like additional information about conservation on BRSR or to provide feedback on your experiences, contact Bill Shiner at: williamshiner@earthlink.net
