Leave No Trace

The national education program of Leave No Trace was developed in 1990 by the United States Forest Service in conjunction with the National Outdoor Leadership School, the National Park Service, and the U.S.. Fish & Wildlife Service. Leave No Trace provides an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors and is summarized in seven principles which are easily adapted for use in our local parks and in our own backyards. 

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare: Know before you go! Check the weather, local regulations and trail conditions. Know your groups abilities and how to use the gear you carry. Adequate planning will help travelers accomplish trip goals safely while minimizing impact to the land. 

2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: Only use established trails and sites. Know the local camp regulations and disperse your use in primitive areas. Travel damage of surface vegetation can cause barren areas, soil erosion, and damage to animal habitats. 

3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all garbage including hygiene products and food. Consider the impact of what you leave behind and how it may affect other people, water and wildlife. Know how to properly dispose of waste. 

4. Leave What You Find: Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archeological artifacts, and other objects of interest as you find them. Minimize site alterations to reduce additional impact areas. 

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: The natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. Know when to build a campfire and when to use a lightweight, low impact camp stove. When building a fire, use branches you can easily break and burn completely. Do not cut green material from trees and extinguish all fires completely with water, not dirt.

6. Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Travel quietly and do not pursue, feed or touch animals. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times such as mating or hibernation season and keep any pets under control at all times. 

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Use "right of way" rules and maintain courtesy towards other visitors. Camp a distance, use quiet voices and be respectful of the use of electronics, music and drones. Many people come to the outdoors to listen to nature. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and large groups may take away from the natural appeal of the outdoors. 

For more information, visit the Leave No Trace website to learn what you can do to help