Leave No Trace 7 Principles

Leave No Trace 7 Principles

If you are in the hiking and camping world, you probably have heard of the "Leave No Trace 7 Principles" that every person should follow to protect our environment and show respect to others. If you are new to these principles, keep these in the back of your mind to follow every time you go into the outdoors. You will have a much more pleasurable experience, and it will keep you coming back for more. I wanted to start with these principles because not everyone follows them, but it really makes a huge difference if you do and it helps preserve our beautiful parks and recreational sites for generations to enjoy. So here are the "Leave No Trace 7 Principles" to apply to your hiking and camping guides. 

1. Plan ahead and be prepared

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit so you have a safe time
• Prepare ahead for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies
• Schedule your trip during low volume periods
• Visit in small groups when possible
• Repackage food to minimize waste
• Use a map and compass or GPS to avoid creating unwanted markers

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

• Durable surfaces to camp on include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow
• Protect wetland areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made.
  • In popular areas:
    • Camp or travel on existing trails and campsites
    • Walk single file in the middle of the trail
    • Keep campsites small
  • In pristine areas:
    • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails
    • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning

3. Dispose of waste properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Make sure the space how you received it looks the same as you left it unless there was trash present
• Utilize toilet facilities whenever possible
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
• To wash yourself or your 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 by: examining, photographing, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts since it could cause damage
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you see them
• Avoid bringing or transporting non-native species
• Do not build a structure out on the trail or campsite

5. Minimize campfire impact

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment so use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires so they are contained
• Keep fires small
• How to have a campfire-Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes

6. Respect wildlife from a distance

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them!
• Never feed animals
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations away and secure your trash
• Control your pets at all times, or leave them at home
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times such as: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter

7. Be considerate of others

• Respect other visitors 
• Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail
• Let other's pass you if you have a slower pace
• Take breaks and give people space by camping away from the trail and others
• Avoid making loud voices and noises.

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Sources: 
Leave No Trace Seven Principles © 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: ​https://www.nps.gov/index.htm  ​