Environmental Awareness & Ethics Flashcards

What is the primary ethical concern when paddling through a wildlife refuge that permits non-motorized watercraft?

Answer: Staying on designated routes, minimizing noise, and giving all wildlife wide berth to avoid stress and habitat disruption

Even in permitted areas, paddlers must follow designated routes, keep noise low, and maintain large distances from wildlife to prevent flushing, nest abandonment, and chronic stress.

Which of the following best explains the ACA's stance on 'environmental advocacy' as part of instructor ethics?

Answer: ACA instructors are encouraged to model and teach stewardship and to advocate for the protection of paddling waterways

The ACA's Outdoor Ethics and Stewardship program explicitly expects instructors to be environmental ambassadors — teaching stewardship, modeling responsible behavior, and supporting conservation efforts.

A student's sunscreen washes off during a swim in a lake used for the ACA course. What environmental concern should the instructor address?

Answer: Chemical UV filters in conventional sunscreen are toxic to aquatic organisms, particularly coral and amphibians

Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate that are toxic to aquatic life; instructors should recommend reef-safe mineral sunscreens and minimize product entering the water.

What ethical responsibility does an ACA instructor have when they observe another paddling group violating environmental regulations?

Answer: Approach calmly, share information about regulations, and report violations to land managers if necessary

ACA ethics support respectful peer education; instructors should calmly share information and, if violations are serious or ongoing, report to appropriate land management agencies.

What is the recommended approach for washing dishes while camping on a multi-day paddling expedition?

Answer: Wash in a container, scatter dishwater widely at least 200 feet from water and camp after straining food particles

Straining food particles and scattering dishwater 200 feet from water disperses nutrients and soap before they can concentrate and impact the waterway or attract wildlife to camp.

Which scenario represents an ethically appropriate 'low-impact' landing on a wilderness riverbank?

Answer: Landing on an established gravel bar used by previous groups to concentrate wear and avoid new damage

Concentrating use on already-impacted durable surfaces like established gravel bars prevents the creation of new impact zones and protects undisturbed riparian vegetation.

How does the ACA recommend instructors handle encounters with an alligator in a Florida waterway during a paddling lesson?

Answer: Maintain a safe distance of at least 60 feet, do not feed or harass, and alter the route if the alligator is near a landing zone

ACA guidelines and Florida wildlife regulations require maintaining distance from alligators, never feeding them, and rerouting if necessary to avoid habituation and ensure group safety.