Backcountry Operations

The basic National Park Service policies for food, water, and waste sanitation are stated in Directors Order 83, sections A, B, and C and are delineated in greater detail in the accompanying reference manual to each section above. However, there are numerous activities which occur in the backcountry of many National Parks, that sometimes create sanitation issues that require solutions different than those for more permanent facilities. Examples of such activities include but are not limited to, white water rafting, horse packing, bicycle tours, jeep tours, snowmobile tours, trail crews, and backcountry ranger cabins. While conditions in the backcountry are often different from developed areas, the basic principles of disease prevention are the same (e.g. the need to control the growth of disease causing microorganisms by properly treating drinking water and/or by maintaining foods at proper temperature).

RM83(F) is intended to provide practical guidance to help NPS concessioners and personnel to meet the intent of DO-83, sections A, B, and C under backcountry conditions.

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Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Survey

Backcountry Environmental Health Training Manual and Video

Policy and Guidelines

RM83(F) - Backcountry

General Information

Recommended Training