Leave No Trace

Attikamek Trail sign

Leave No Trace Fire

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Trash in forest

Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics promoting conservation in the outdoors. It is built around seven core principles aimed at minimizing the impact of outdoor activities. The concept has been adopted by park agencies, wilderness organizations, and outdoor groups around the globe to educate people on how to enjoy the natural world in a sustainable way.

Principles

The seven principles of Leave No Trace are designed to be easily remembered and applied in a variety of outdoor settings:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Proper planning can prevent problems and minimize impacts on the natural environment. This includes understanding and respecting the regulations and special concerns of the area you'll visit, preparing for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies, and planning your trip to avoid times of high use.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Damage to land occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. The principle advises to stick to trails and camping at established sites.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: This principle is often summarized as "Pack it in, Pack it out." It emphasizes the importance of removing all trash, food scraps, and litter, not just for aesthetics but to prevent pollutants from entering waterways and affecting wildlife.
4. Leave What You Find: Preserving the past includes cultural artifacts and natural objects. Visitors are encouraged to leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects as they find them.
5. 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, keep fires small, and burn all wood to ash.
6. Respect Wildlife: Quick movements and loud noises are stressful to animals. Observing wildlife from a distance and not feeding animals helps keep wildlife wild.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous on the trail and let nature's sounds prevail.

History

The Leave No Trace concept originated in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to the increased foot traffic in wilderness areas. It was initially developed by the United States Forest Service in conjunction with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in the 1980s. The program expanded when the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a nonprofit organization, was founded in the 1990s. The center is dedicated to educating people about their recreational impact on nature and how they can reduce it.

Implementation

Leave No Trace principles are implemented through education, research, and partnerships. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics offers a variety of educational programs, including trainer courses, awareness workshops, and online resources. They also conduct research to understand and mitigate the impacts of outdoor activities on the environment. Partnerships with parks, wilderness areas, and outdoor brands help spread the Leave No Trace message.

Impact

The effectiveness of Leave No Trace practices is evident in the recovery of areas once impacted by high levels of trampling, littering, and other forms of environmental degradation. By adopting these principles, outdoor enthusiasts can significantly reduce their ecological footprint, ensuring that natural places remain pristine for future generations.