Gadling readers might remember the story we posted
about the poop problems at Mt. McKinley. Namely, that due to high-altitude and the lack of organisms up there to
biodegrade feces, the mountain is becoming increasingly littered with poop. Other mountains are having similar
problems, and one of them, Mt. Shasta in CA, is doing something about it. According
to this peice,
Climbers are now required (in addition to the $15 summit permit) to acquire a “poop kit” from the various ranger
kiosks on the mountain before they ascend. The kit includes two brown paper bags and (nice touch!) a place mat sized
piece of paper with a target printed on it. The effort is part of a sensible and sanitary No Turd Left Behind policy
that should help protect our peaks from the unnecessary accumulation of feces. Here
is a site that sells poop kits, should you be in need. So
next time you’re heading up your favorite mountain, do us all a favor, pack out your poop.