Whether you’re an avid hiker, camper, or just enjoy spending time outdoors, it’s important to be mindful of your impact on the environment. Leave No Trace is a set of principles and practices designed to minimize your impact and help preserve the natural beauty of outdoor spaces for generations to come.
In this article, we’ll explore what Leave No Trace is, why it’s important, and how you can implement its principles on your next outdoor adventure.
What is Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of seven principles that encourage responsible and sustainable outdoor recreation. It is a way to minimize your impact on the natural environment and to help preserve it for future generations.
The seven LNT principles are:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impact.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
Why is Leave No Trace important?
The natural environments we enjoy while hiking, camping, and exploring are fragile and easily damaged. LNT practices help minimize the impact of human activity on these environments, ensuring they remain beautiful and healthy for future generations. Additionally, practicing LNT can help reduce conflicts between outdoor enthusiasts and land managers, and can help preserve access to public lands for everyone.
How to implement Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure
Here are some tips for implementing LNT on your next outdoor adventure:
Plan ahead and prepare
- Research the area you’ll be visiting and familiarize yourself with any specific LNT regulations or guidelines.
- Pack appropriately for the environment you’ll be in and the activities you’ll be doing.
- Bring a map and compass, and know how to use them.
- Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Stick to established trails and campsites whenever possible.
- Avoid trampling meadows and alpine areas.
- If you must hike off-trail, be careful not to damage vegetation.
- Pack out all of your trash and waste.
Dispose of waste properly
- Pack out all of your trash, including food scraps, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products.
- Dispose of human waste properly by burying it in a cathole that is 6-8 inches deep and 6 inches wide, and located at least 200 feet from water sources and trails.
- Leave no trace of your campfire.
Leave what you find
- Resist the temptation to take home natural souvenirs.
- Avoid damaging or removing plants, rocks, or other natural features.
Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings whenever possible.
- Keep fires small and attend to them at all times.
- Put out campfires completely before leaving.
Respect wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance.
- Do not feed or approach animals.
- Leave no food or trash unattended.
Be considerate of other visitors
- Keep noise levels low.
- Respect others’ privacy and space.
- Avoid camping or hiking in large groups.
Additional tips
- If you are unsure of how to dispose of waste properly, ask a ranger or other experienced outdoors person for help.
- If you are using a portable toilet, be sure to dispose of the waste properly at a designated dump station.
- If you are using a composting toilet, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
- If you are using a human waste disposal bag, be sure to pack it out with you.
Conclusion
Leave No Trace is a way to minimize your impact on the natural environment and to help preserve it for future generations. By following the seven LNT principles, you can help ensure that our natural spaces remain beautiful and healthy for everyone to enjoy.
Additional information
Why is it important to dispose of waste properly?
Improper waste disposal can pollute water and soil, and can attract harmful pests. It can also be unsightly and unpleasant for other visitors.
How can I minimize my campfire impact?
- Use only dead and downed wood for your campfire.
- Keep your campfire small and contained.
- Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Put out your campfire completely before leaving.
How can I respect wildlife?
- Observe wildlife from a distance.
- Do not feed or approach animals.
- Leave no food or trash unattended.
- Make noise when you are hiking or camping to alert animals of your presence.
How can I be considerate of other visitors?
- Keep noise levels low.
- Respect others’ privacy and space.
- Avoid camping or hiking in large groups.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your outdoor adventure is enjoyable for everyone involved.
For more information, see The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
