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[LNT]

Principles of Leave No Trace

Click here for a History of the Program

 

Click here for additional information on the
Leave No Trace Principles

The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics form
the framework of Leave No Trace's message:

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

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Plan Ahead and Prepare

bulletKnow the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
bulletPrepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
bulletSchedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
bulletVisit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
bulletRepackage food to minimize waste.
bulletUse a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

 

bullet

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

bulletDurable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
bulletProtect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
bulletGood campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In popular areas:
bulletConcentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
bulletWalk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
bulletKeep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

In pristine areas
bulletDisperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
bulletAvoid places where impacts are just beginning.

 

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Dispose of Waste Properly

bulletPack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
bulletDeposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
bulletPack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
bulletTo wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

 

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Leave What You Find

bulletPreserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
bulletLeave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
bulletAvoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
bulletDo not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

 

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Minimize Campfire Impacts

bulletCampfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
bulletWhere fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
bulletKeep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
bulletBurn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

 

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Respect Wildlife

bulletObserve wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
bulletNever feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
bulletProtect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
bulletControl pets at all times, or leave them at home.
bulletAvoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

 

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Be Considerate of Other Visitors

bulletRespect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
bulletBe courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
bulletStep to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
bulletTake breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
bulletLet nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.