COVID-19 Day Trips & Conservation Guidelines

• To ensure that the trip limit is observed, people wanting to attend the trip must register with the trip coordinator. Only those who have the coordinator’s approval may participate in the trip.
• As always, all non-Rovers must submit a signed Waiver to the trip coordinator before being allowed to participate on the trip. Electronic version is preferred.
• Stay close to home. Round trips should require no more than a single tank of gas or a single EV charge to minimize unnecessary contact at service stations, restaurants, rest stops, etc.
• Respect all closures and restrictions. Carefully research your destination.
  • Be aware that closures, restrictions, and local guidelines can change often and with no notice.
  • Restrictions can vary between states, counties, municipalities and tribal lands; it is best to go with the most conservative guideline that applies to the destination.
  • Check early and often to make sure destination is open and to confirm which facilities are available (such as restrooms, water, etc.).
• All trips should have a Plan B in case the first location parking lot, trail head, boat launch or trail is too crowded to safely maintain distances. This should be included in the trip description. Consider scheduling the trip at off-peak times if possible.
• Carpooling is not allowed except for people from the same household.
• The gear locker is open by appointment only in order to ensure proper rest time between uses for COVID 19 safety. Contact the gear locker team for more information.
• Activities which require sharing of gear or close physical interaction are not recommended. One exception may be conservation trips, see Additional Guidelines for Conservation Activities.
• Participants must not attend if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, etc.) and must notify trip coordinator ASAP.
  • If a participant cannot attend last minute (for example, feeling sick), they should contact the coordinator in case there is a waiting list.
  • Coordinators shall tell people who are experiencing symptoms that they may not participate.
  • Should a participant become ill within 14 days of a trip, they shall notify all trip participants.
• Participants should evaluate their own risk (i.e. pre-existing health conditions) prior to any trips, using Minnesota Department of Health and CDC guidance. The MN Rovers and trip coordinators will not evaluate individual COVID 19 risk.  Contact your health care professional for advice.
• Consistent with the trips policy, if the trip needs to be canceled, deposit refunds are at the discretion of the trip coordinator.

During the trip

• Travel as directly to the destination as possible with minimal stops along the way. Attempt to bring all needed supplies with you.
• Be mindful of social distancing and local requirements if in common use settings, such as restaurants, gas stations, visitor centers grocery stores, etc. Plan trips to minimize use of these types of facilities.
• Choose activities below your highest skill level to minimize potential for injury or rescue, which could violate social distancing recommendations and/or utilize limited medical resources.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet apart at all times. Masks are strongly encouraged in areas where social distancing may be difficult to maintain, such as trailheads, restroom areas, etc.
• Avoid congregating in crowded areas such as trailheads, parking areas, etc.
• When possible, wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water not readily available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Do not share personal equipment, utensils, food or other possessions with others unless they are from the same household.
  • If renting or borrowing recreational equipment, consider bringing your own protective gear (PFD’s, helmets, etc.).

Additional Guidelines for Conservation Activities

• For activities working with partner organizations participants shall follow the most conservative rules and guidelines (Rovers vs. partner organization).
• Sanitation of shared gear for conservation activities such as shears, loppers, and saws shall be coordinated with and defined by the partner organization.
• Personal protective equipment (such as breathing masks, protective eyewear, gloves, hats, and sanitizer, etc.) will continue to be an individual responsibility.  This shall be clarified in the trip posting.