Posted 11/21/05
Leave No Trace Principles
The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics form the framework of Leave No Trace's
message:
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
Plan Ahead and Prepare
·
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area
you'll visit.
·
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
·
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
·
Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups
of 4-6.
·
Repackage food to minimize waste.
·
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking
paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
·
Durable surfaces include established trails and
campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
·
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet
from lakes and streams.
·
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is
not necessary.
·
In popular areas:
o
Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
o
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when
wet or muddy.
o
Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where
vegetation is absent.
·
In pristine areas:
o
Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and
trails.
o
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Dispose
of Waste Properly
·
Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest
areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
·
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches
deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
·
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.
Leave What You Find
·
Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural
or historic 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 backcountry.
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.
·
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that
can be broken by hand.
·
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires
completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife
·
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or
approach them.
·
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their
health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
·
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and
trash securely.
·
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
·
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting,
raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
·
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their
experience.
·
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.
·
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and
noises
For in depth discussions on each of these recommendations check the web at: www.LNT.org