Leave No Trace!

Leave No Trace has created seven Principles that can help us enjoy the outdoors while showing respect and appreciation for their wild nature.

The Leave No Trace Principles:

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

Leave No Trace Ethics

Hopefully, most people are aware enough to know that these ethics are easily attained if one uses common sense. Ignorance must not be tolerated!

Walking -

Stay on the trails when possible and avoid the shortcuts between switchbacks. Taking them erodes the trail sides and local vegetation. Walk carefully through meadows. (if you "have" to go through one ) Place feet on solid ground or rock whenever possible. Watch where you are going and pay attention at all times. If horses are encountered on the trail they do have the right of way. Don't scare them with loud sudden movements.

Camp fires -

Nope, (Unless fires are allowed where you are traveling.) Only in extreme emergency. There are not very many pristine areas left in the Wilderness or forests where fires are permitted. It's not so much the fire danger that is the problem, but the impact on the land and the affect on the local habitat. It is up to you to know what is allowable in the area where you will be traveling. If you must build a fire use an appropriate camp fire ring. Use only downed deadwood. Completely extinguish with plenty of water, don't leave it until you are sure it is all the way out ! Bring some extra clothing for warmth.

Camping -

Choose a site that is at least 100 ft. from any water or trails, unless the only alternative is an established pre-existing site. No digging water trenches (rain) pick an appropriate site. Think ahead.

Garbage -

Pack it in, Pack it out, Pick it up if you see it !!

Cleaning -

Soaps & foods can change water chemistry and damage the life dependent upon it. Wash away from the water and camp, using biodegradable soaps.

When nature calls -

Dig a hole 6 - 12 inches deep, 200 feet from any water, camp, or trail. Bury it! No flags!

Courtesy -

Travel in such a manner as to not be noticed. Keep your group small and unobtrusive. Most of us seek the quiet and simplistic qualities of nature.

If we can all adhere to these principles the Wilderness lands will always be there for the next generations to enjoy.

From Leave No Trace, Inc.