What is gatekeeping? In essence, gatekeeping is trying to or wanting to control other's access to something. Your friend has a really cool pair of sunglasses but won't tell you where they are from in order to either feel superior that they have access to this knowledge or to not allow you to get the enjoyment of owning that pair of sunglasses.
Well, unsurprisingly, people try to gatekeep mother nature as well. When asked where one found a really cool hot springs, one may refuse to tell others where that spot is located. That is gatekeeping. There is no good reason to partake in gatekeeping, especially with a public collective like nature, where anyone can enjoy the outdoors and no one owns any particular segment of it. Some may say they want to avoid over-crowding and over-use of a spot that they enjoy. Want to prevent the creation or further use of social trails (trails that are off the given path and can degrade the natural environment). However, many national forest departments have taken those concerns into account by requiring permits for day-use at many sites. It is the responsibility and the role of these departments to innovate new ways to protect the natural environment while allowing equal access for public use.
We want to promote active living and healthy lifestyles so we should want to share mother nature with everyone to encourage others to get outside, especially in this age of technology. Don't be a gatekeeper and don't let your peers be gatekeepers either! Share the joy you feel out in nature with others and perhaps they will have the perfect next spot for you to go check out too.
photo by: Katie Musial
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