In early September 2024, a visitor accidentally dropped a bag of Cheetos inside Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, which sparked unexpected consequences for the cave's delicate ecosystem. The Cheetos, softened by the cave's humidity, created an ideal environment for microbial and fungal growth. This prompted a temporary food web involving cave crickets, mites, spiders, and flies, disrupting the cave's fragile balance.
Such disruptions are especially impactful because caves are sensitive environments where organisms have adapted to survive with minimal nutrients, and introducing foreign elements can cause significant ecological shifts. Park rangers spent 20 minutes meticulously removing the Cheetos and molds from the cave surfaces.
We are about to endeavor out to Elm Island for our Survivor Island Campout. We should endeavor to leave the island better than we found it while upholding the 7 principles of Leave No Trace
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Others
A scout is clean.