There are seven Leave No Trace Principles for us to embrace while we are exploring outdoors. I think most of us when we hear “leave no trace” we instantly think of principle three, Dispose of Waste Properly, which deals with trash among other things. But there is more for us to learn so let’s dive in so we can be a great steward on the trail.
According to NPS, these principles were established by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and built on work by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management in the mid-1980s and the relationship continues today. The principles are based on and informed by scientific research in the fields of recreation ecology and human dimensions of natural resources. To learn more, go to: www.LNT.org
Seven Principles of Leave No Trace:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Let’s dive into the details of each Principle so we can be a Leave No Trace leader.
Plan Ahead and Prepare:
– Know the regulations and concerns for the area.
– Be prepared for weather, hazards, and emergencies.
– Try to schedule trip outside of high use times.
– Visit in small groups.
– Repackage food to minimize waste.
– Use maps and GPS to avoid using marking paint, cairns, or flagging.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces:
– Durable surfaces are maintained trails and designated campsites.
– Protect riparian areas. Camp 200+ feet from lakes and streams.
– Good campsites are found, not made.
– Altering a site is not necessary.
Popular Areas
– concentrate on existing trials and campsites
– walk single file in middle of trail, even if wet or muddy
– keep campsite small
– focus activity where vegetation is absent
Pristine Areas
– disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails
– avoid places where impacts are just beginning
Dispose of Waste Properly:
– Pack it in, pack it out.
– Inspect your campsite, food preparation areas, and rest areas for trash or spilled food.
– Utilize toilet facilities whenever possible.
– If you must potty outside… dig catholes 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water sources, camping area, or trails, then cover and disguise.
– Pack out toilet paper and other products used.
– To wash yourself or dishes… carry water 200 feet from stream or lake, use biodegradable soap, then scatter strained dishwater.
– Pack out any cleaning tools, towels, etc. used.
Leave What You Find:
– Preserve the past: examine, photograph, but do not touch cultural or historical structures and artifacts.
– Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
– Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
– Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Minimize Campfire Impacts:
– Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment.
– Use lightweight stoves for cooking and lanterns for light.
– When fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
– Keep fires small.
– Only use down or dead wood from ground that can be broken by hand.
– Burn all wood and coals to ash.
– Put out campfires completely.
– Scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife:
– Observe wildlife from a distance.
– Do not follow or approach them.
– Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
– Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
– Never feed animals.
– Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, habituates them to humans, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
– Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors:
– Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
– Let nature’s sound prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
– Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
– Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
– Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Together we can do our part to protect our natural world.
🗑 Drop in the comments when you hear “leave no trace” what it means to you!
Want to learn more about being out on the trail? That’s where I come in. Let me help you understand the ins and outs of getting out on the trail in nature. I want to take all the knowledge and experiences I have had and share them with you so you can hit the trail with more confidence. Ready for whatever comes around the next turn. I would be honored to be your Trail Coach. We can go anywhere from city parks to state parks to national parks to blm land to national forests and everywhere in between. If there is some amazing nature to be seen, we can do it together one adventure at a time.
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Until the next trail…
Coach RJ
References:
National Park Service. (n.d.). Leave No Trace Seven Principles. https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
Photo Credit:
Photo by Roman Biernacki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/misty-forest-path-in-black-and-white-31233861/
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