Outdoor Ethics: Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace, a non-profit organization, is an international program that educates outdoor enthusiasts on how best to reduce their impact when playing (hiking, skiing, camping, etc) in the outdoors. The Leave No Trace philosophy is framed under seven principles, discussed below.

1) Plan Ahead and Prepare
*Know the rules and regulations for the areas you are visiting.
*Prepare for all weather conditions, hazards and emergencies.
*Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
*Travel in small groups. If a larger group, split into 2.
*Repackage food to minimize waste.
*Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of markers such as rock cairns or flags.

2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
*Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
*Set up camp at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, etc.
*Good campsites are found, not made. When you leave the campsite should look no different from when you arrived.
*In areas of high use, stick to the existing trails and campsites.
*In areas of high use, walk single file in the middle of the trail.
*Keep campsites small.
*In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent the forming of campsites and trails.
*In pristine areas, avoid places where impacts are just forming

3) Dispose of Waste Properly
*Pack it in, Pack it out. Inspect your campsite to make sure no trash is being left behind. Pack out all food, waste, toilet paper, etc.
*Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, and at least 200 feet from water, camp and established trails.
*When washing yourself or dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

4) Leave What you Find
*Preserve the past. Examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic artifacts and structures.
*Leave natural objects, such as rocks, flowers, etc as you find them.
*Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
*Do not build structures or dig trenches.

5) Minimize Campfire Impacts
*Use a camping stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
*Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings.
*Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
*Burn all wood and coal to ash, put out fire completely, and then scatter the coal ashes.

6) Respect Wildlife
*Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
*Never feed animals. This can damage their health and alter their natural behaviour.
*Protect your food from wildlife by storing trash securely and using bear caches where available.
*Keep your pets on a leash or under control at all times.
*Avoid wildlife during times of mating, nesting, raising young, etc.

7) Be Considerate of Other Visitors
*Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
*Be courteous. Yield to other uses on the trail.
*Step to the downside of the trail when encountering pack animals.
*Take breaks and hike, camp, etc away from other visitors
*Avoid loud noises and noises and let nature's sounds prevail.

Enjoy the outdoors!
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