Adventuring outdoors is one of the great joys in life. But the small things we do while hiking, camping, and exploring can end up destroying our parklands and outdoor spaces if we're not careful. By minimizing our impact, we can preserve our wildlands for future generations.
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles are small changes in our actions that can help prevent significant impacts over time.
1. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
By doing a little planning before you head off on your adventure, you can avoid getting yourself into a bad situation. And if trouble does arise, you'll be prepared.
Make a Trip Plan and Tell a Friend
What would happen if you went on an adventure, but you got lost? What if no one even knew you were missing? A trip plan outlines your expected itinerary and is given to a responsible friend before you leave. This can be used by search and rescue to help find you if you don't return home. Adventure Smart's Trip Plan App is an easy way to file a trip plan before you head out.
Do Some Research
Research the area you're heading to. Where can you camp? Is there cell phone service? Do you need a hiking permit? Does the park allow dogs?
Some things to check before you go:
- Park information and notices.
- Local regulations.
- Maps and trail descriptions.
- Weather forecasts and tide charts.
Be Prepared
Make a plan and be prepared. Always carry the ten essentials on all of your outdoor adventures. It's a simple kit of essential survival gear you'll need if something goes wrong. Have the right equipment and know how to use it.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
When adventuring in the outdoors, travel on durable surfaces:
Hiking
When hiking, stay on the trail and walk in the center. When you step around puddles, it can widen the path causing damage. If you're hiking and there is no established trail, be careful not to trample fragile vegetation. Don't blaze new trails. Hike on durable surfaces like rocks, gravel and sand.
Camping
When choosing a campsite, look for durable places to pitch your tent. If there is an area that is already impacted by previous campers, choose to camp there. It's better to have only one highly affected area than damage spread over a large area.
Take off your hiking boots at camp and use soft-soled shoes. They will be gentler on the ground.
Avoid spending more than a few days in one spot. The longer you are there, the more impact you will have on the environment.
Leave your campsite better than you found it. Your goal is to make it look like you were never there.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Outhouses aren't garbage cans. And the trail isn't your bathroom. Pack out all your garbage, any litter you find, and any leftover food waste. It can attract animals and cause problems for the next camper.
When enjoying our outdoor spaces, leave them better than you found them.
Pooping in the Woods
Human waste can be a tremendous problem in outdoor spaces. Do your part to keep it clean.
- If there are outhouses, use them.
- If there aren't outhouses, dig a cat hole at least 6 inches deep.
- When you've done your thing, fill in your cat hole and cover it with leaves and sticks.
- Do your business at least 200 feet from water sources.
- Pack out your toilet paper or consider using nature's toilet paper.
- Know what poison ivy and stinging nettle look like before using nature's toilet paper.
- Don't burn your toilet paper. It's a great way to light the forest on fire.
- Check regulations. Some places require you to pack everything out. Yes, everything.
4. Minimize the Impact of Campfires
Campfires are one of the great joys of camping. They can also be the most damaging. Check the fire regulations before deciding to have a fire.
Building a Campfire
Build small fires to minimize impact and leave resources for future campers. When choosing wood, look for small pieces of downed and dead wood. Avoid removing branches from trees. Use only what you need and leave the rest.
Choose to build your campfire on resistant surfaces. A fire on a dirt surface can kill the soil, preventing anything from growing there for years. Use fire rings or designated spots if available.
Cleaning Up After Your Campfire
Keep your fires small and let them burn out completely. Try to avoid leaving partially burnt and scorched wood. When your campfire is out and cold to the touch, spread the ashes over a large area and away from your camp.
5. Leave What You Find
Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
Respect and Leave Nature as You Found It
Try not to change nature, and when you leave, make it look like you were never there. This means don't dig trenches for your tent or cut trees for tarp poles. Don't hammer into trees to hang your tarp. Replace rocks, leaves and pine needles after you pack up your tent.
Avoid transporting invasive species and plants by cleaning your boots, dogs, bikes and canoes between trips.
Respect Historical and Cultural Artifacts
Leave historic sites, artifacts and natural items as you find them. This way, future explorers can discover and enjoy them as well.
6. Respect Wildlife
Watching wildlife can be an incredible experience. But it's smart to do it from a distance. Leave them space. Avoid entering habitats that may be sensitive, such as nesting, spawning or hibernation areas.
Keep Garbage Away from Animals
Keep all human food and garbage out of reach of wildlife. Some parks have regulations on food storage, so check before you go.
Pack everything out. It might seem like a good idea to burn leftovers and garbage in your fire, but please don't. It can attract wildlife and habituate them to food. A fed bear is a dead bear.
Keep Pollution at Bay
Be mindful around lakes and rivers to ensure you don't pollute the water. Things like sunscreens and soap can be toxic to wildlife. Use only biodegradable, lake-safe products and dispose of them 200 feet from water sources.
7. Be Considerate of Others
Be kind, be calm and be respectful. Everyone has the right to enjoy nature peacefully.
Share the Trail
While hiking, yield and step aside for other hikers. The one going uphill has the right of way. Mountain bikes should yield to hikers. And always move out of the way for horses.
Manage Your Pets
Keep your pets under control. Dogs can scare or injure wildlife and impact nesting areas. Just as you shouldn't be blazing new trails, neither should your dog. Please keep them by your side. On a leash is best.
Travel Quietly In Small Groups
Limit your group size and travel quietly. Leave your music at home or use headphones. Not everyone likes Lady Gaga. It's cool if you do, but please keep it to yourself.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
Do Your Part and Leave No Trace
By following the 7 Leave No Trace principles, you can help ensure our wild spaces can continue to be enjoyed by everyone. Follow these best practices and leave no trace every time you adventure outdoors.
