Leave No Trace
Anyone who has spent time outdoors, regardless of the activity, has probably heard of or come across the phrase “Leave No Trace.” Simply, Leave No Trace are the habits and practices we should use to enjoy and preserve the natural spaces we visit.
Although originally developed for backcountry users, Leave No Trace guidelines can also be used in the frontcountry as well. So what’s the difference between backcountry and front? Backcountry activities can most accurately be described by backpacking, overnight camping, treks; activities that put you away from any assistance or conveniences of modern life. Essentially being off grid. Frontcountry activities are the opposite, those more easily accessed by vehicle. Such activities might include day hiking or car camping, visiting local or state parks; places visited for only a day or where modern conveniences are easily accessed or called upon. Leave No Trace is all encompassing and applies to all of these activities. Although the specifics of each principle may related to various activities in different manners.
Leave No Trace is structured as seven key points, known as the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. Each Principle discusses an important tenet for respecting and preserving our natural spaces, not only ourselves and future visitors but for the health and safety of the creatures that inhabit it.
What follows is meant to be a brief outline of the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and is not, in any way, an all-inclusive list of what each principle entails. For an in-depth education on Leave No Trace, it is highly recommended that interested individuals take an Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Plan Ahead and Prepare
A well planned and prepared trip helps hikers to accomplish their trip goals, enjoy their hike more, and worry less. A poorly planned outing is more likely to run into problems which can quickly dampen the enjoyment, or even put people at risk. Planning not only helps ensure the safety of the group and the individuals within it, but can increase self-confidence and provide opportunities to learn about the natural area. Considerations should be given to weather, difficulty of terrain, and even how to choose the right gear for comfort and safety. Being familiar with the terrain, and knowing how to use a map, compass, or even a GPS device, help you travel faster, stay safer, and better adhere to the Principles of Leave No Trace.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Whether you are in the middle of a hike, taking a quick rest to the side of the trail, or preparing to set up camp for the night, it is important to focus our impact on resilient terrain. Durable surfaces can include rock, sand, gravel, snow, or dry grasses. These surfaces can better withstand the impact we leave from using them. While hiking, stay on the trail, walking single file in the middle if possible. Walking at the edges and going off trail, when not required is damaging to plant life and can create impacts that take years to recover from. When traveling off trail is necessary, it is best done with the group walking in a dispersed pattern to avoid heavier impacts in a smaller area. When selecting a site to camp for the night, the first option should always be designated or already established areas for camping. Campsites should also be 200ft from rivers or streams. Focus on areas devoid of vegetation. When camping in pristine areas, where a lack of vegetation may not be found, disperse tent sites and avoid repetitive walking patterns around camp. When breaking camp, take time to re-naturalize the area before leaving.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Carry in, carry out. We see signs like this at the information kiosks of nearly every hike. Disposing of our waste properly is not merely limited to the wrappers from the food or snacks we consume on the trail, but also wastewater from washing, food scraps, and the waste we excrete from our bodies. Yes, this means what you think it means. Relieving yourself in the woods can be a transcending experience; however if not disposed of properly, can wreak havoc on the environment and other visitors long after you leave. Cat holes are a widely accepted method of waste disposal. Cat holes are dug six to eight inches deep, four inches in diameter, and at least 200ft from any water source. When you are finished depositing waste, you simply cover the hole and disguise the area. Toilet paper can also be buried, or if you’re the adventurous type, you can make use of natural objects, such as stones, vegetation, or snow. In some natural areas, like national parks, one might be required to pack out their waste altogether, carrying it out of the park with them.
Leave What You Find
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” As the old adage says, take photos of your experiences but leave alone any souvenirs you may want to take home. Try to avoid taking rocks or plants from the environment; doing so may contribute to erosion or depletion of food sources for wildlife. Allow others the same exhilaration of the discovery by leaving objects of interest where you find them. Do not damage or alter trees; cutting boughs, embedding nails to hang bags, carving initials into bark, or tying guy lines around trees are all unacceptable actions. Instead of picking flowers, take a photo. On occasion, experienced hikers may find an edible plant. Sampling can be okay as long as consideration is given not to deplete the resource. In areas of cultural and historical significance, leave any artifacts you find. It is illegal to remove or disturb archaeological sites, historical sites, and artifacts, even on public land.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Minimizing the impacts of campfires means knowing when a campfire should be made, how to find wood to burn, and how to clean up when the fire is finished. Consideration should also be given as to whether or not fires are permitted, and to using a camp stove were fire are prohibited. While many people enjoy the warmth of a large fire, and roasting marshmallows for dessert, they aren’t always necessary, and even where they are permitted can have a negative impacts on the surrounding environment. In established campsites, seek out a fire pans or rings, designated for your use. Where there are none, learn how to build a mound fire, to avoid scorching the ground. When searching for wood to fuel your fire, only scavenge wood that is both dead and downed. Wood should not have to be cut from living trees, nor will it burn well if it is. . Spread your scavenging over a wide area so as not to detract from the area’s natural appearance. Fuel the fire in small amounts, as you will have to let all wood burn to white ash before extinguishing. When extinguishing your fire, thoroughly soak with water. Ashes and coals should be cool enough to handle; if not, do not leave the area unattended. Scatter the remains and any unused wood over a wide area and away from your camp.
Respect Wildlife
Considerate hikers observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow, approach, or attempt to feed the animals you see. Quick movements and loud noises can be stressful to them as well. Engaging with animals can cause them to become defensive, possibly injuring you or causing illness, if they are sick or wounded. Young animals, although quite adorable, should not be touched or picked up, as you might cause parents to become defensive or simply abandon their young. Be sensitive of mating, nesting, and breeding season, and do not enter areas closed for such activities. Feeding animals in the wild can alter their behaviors, causing them to harass other hikers for more food. Considerate campers will also be sure to properly store their food and food waste, so it is inaccessible to wildlife and can be carried out at the conclusion of the trip.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Treat others how you would like to be treated; A rule that applies to life overall, especially in the outdoors. Being considerate of others ensure we don’t infringe on the experience others are expecting to have. Many people choose the outdoors to experiences the true nature of their environment. Excessive noise, loud music, unruly pets, or destruction of the surroundings, can take away from the natural appeal. For more information and tips on how to be considerate of others on the trail, take a look at our Hiking Etiquette page.
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