MISS MOUNTAIN MANNERS CHALLENGES YOU

It ain’t over til it’s over. And it is definitely not over yet. Jefferson County has seen increased COVID-19 cases and is at risk of tighter restrictions.  Jefferson County Public Health is calling on residents to stay strong and focused on preventing the spread of this virus. With rising infection rates, clearly many people are not following the rules. Will you??

Miss Manners, remembering earlier times and common fence-post signs for “Burma Shave,” invites you to play the following game and even create your own sign jingles. Match the sign posts with the proper guideline for your Jefferson County Open Space experiences.

1. Meet someone? Don’t frown Slow down MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	a. COVID-19 primarily spreads person to person to person. Because you can become infected from respiratory droplets when a nearby infected person breathes heavily, coughs, sneezes or talks, maintain a minimum six-foot distance. This will also help prevent them from being infected by you.
2. Be first rate Communicate MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	b. Keep one ear-bud out. Enjoy the sounds of nature and let others do the same.
3. Be a knight Keep right MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	c. As you approach other trail users (particularly from behind), announce your presence in a timely manner, and loud enough for them to hear. Give them time to find a safe place where they can be socially distanced from you.
4. Be safe For instance Keep your distance MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	d. The leash is safer for your dog, the environment, and other park visitors who may be afraid of dogs. Your dog is YOUR friend, but not necessarily another park visitor’s friend and certainly not park wildlife’s friend.
5. You don’t know What you’re missin’ Unless you listen MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	e. Cyclists: Pedestrians and equestrians have the right-of-way. Slow down and stop if necessary.
6. Place no bets Leash your pets MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	f. Respect public lands and waters. Take ALL of your garbage – including pet wastes – with you. Remember: There is no POOP fairy.
7. Preserve this place Leave no trace Take it to the base MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	g. The rules of the road apply. Keep to your right.
8. Heed the call Keep your group small MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	h. Common courtesy will make things more pleasant for all those participating.
9. It’s your task Wear a mask MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	i. You will have less impact on the parks and other users. It will be easier to maintain social distancing guidelines. Do not take up the whole width of the trail; allow others to pass safely with a minimum of 6-foot distancing.
10. Treat other trail users with respect No matter how they are decked MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	j. This will lessen the impact on the environment with less driving.
11. Don’t pull the rug Walk through the mud Over hill and dale Stay on the trail MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	k. Going off trail to shortcut a switchback or to avoid mud, widens the trail and is bad for trail sustainability.
12. Horses first And then the hikers Yielding to all should be the bikers MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER	l. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth when meeting others. Social distancing is required, particularly when passing other visitors on the trail who are not being considerate by wearing a face covering.
13. Follow your nose Stay close to home MOUNTAIN MANNERS MATTER

WE ARE EMPHATIC – – IT’S A PANDEMIC