Campers meet with County to discuss new rules

This afternoon, we met with Pam Leisure and Dr. Stephen Harper to discuss the new camping rules. We had an opportunity to ask questions and offer input for the new camping rules. Here are some highlights from our meeting…

• The new rules regarding dogs and alcohol are now in place and may be enforced. The County has asked law enforcement to issue warnings to first-time violators for a few month grace period. By this summer, all rules will be strictly enforced.
• Camping is now banned on the north end – but is allowed, by permit only, in theSouthern Public Use Area. The County has agreed with our request to allow campers to choose their own campsite locations.
• Permits will be available online at the County’s website at all times. This service has not yet been made available – so permits are not yet required. Please sign up with our mail list – or monitor the County’s website to be updated on the permitting implementation.
• Permits are free. (UPDATE! – County will charge) However, given the uncertain economic times, the County may decide to charge a fee in the future years.
• A “Leave No Trace” ethic will be expected of all campers. This means that you must pack out absolutely everything you bring to the island – including all trash and human waste. Portable toilets are readily available in a wide variety ofdesigns and price ranges.
• Bon Fires are allowed, unless a specific public safety moratorium is issued (for example in times of extreme drought). Campers are expected to remove all unburned material from the fire pit and no trace of the fire pit should remain. Throwing glass bottles or bottle caps in a fire pit is strictly prohibited.

That’s it for now. We will keep you posted as more details are made available. Our website is currently being redesigned to better communicate the rules so we can preserve the privilege of camping on Shell Key.