Leave No Trace

It’s predicted that with the current economic downturn, we’ll see more people on the trails and in campsites this summer than in previous years. While we love that more people are getting interested in hiking, camping, and outdoors activities as a way to spend an enjoyable vacation, it’s important to remember our impact on the environment. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a non-profit and educational organization that promotes responsible enjoyment of the outdoors. Here are the seven principles of the Leave No Trace philosophy:

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the rules for where you will be hiking and/or camping. Prepare for potential weather and emergencies. Avoid planning your trip during times of high use. Travel in small groups to avoid impact on the environment. Repackage food to minimize waste on the trail. Use a map and compass to find your way, instead of flagging trees and marking rocks.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces are defined as established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Camp at least 200 feet from bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or streams. Keep campsites small.

Dispose of Waste Properly

“Pack it in, pack it out.” Meaning, anything you bring with you, leaves with you. Don’t leave food scraps or litter behind in the campsite on the trail. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products in a sealed plastic bag. To wash dishes, use biodegradable soap and scatter strained dishwater 200 feet from bodies of water.

Leave What You Find

Preserve what you see and find along the way (let someone else enjoy it, too!). Take photos to remember places, not pieces of the land.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Use a lightweight stove for cooking, rather than a campfire. If campfires are permitted, use established fire rings, but keep them small and only use sticks from the ground that can be broken with your hands. Remember to burn all wood and coals to ash, and put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals. Store your food and trash securely. If you are bringing a pet with you, make sure they are under control (if they can’t be, leave them at home).

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Don’t forget that there are other people trying to enjoy the experience as well—keep your voices down and avoid yelling and loud noises. Be courteous and let others pass on the trail.
With these seven principles, the trails and campsites that we love today will be around for many more to enjoy them.