What Are the 7 Leave No Trace Principles That Every Camper Must Follow?
It is our responsibility as campers to leave the outdoor world as clean and undisturbed as we found it. This not only allows plants and animals to live in their natural habitat, but it also ensures that future campers can enjoy the same pathways we have.
The Leave No Trace philosophy is an example of a sustainable and ethical camping practice. To help us all camp responsibly, the National Park Service has created a list of the seven Leave No Trace principles. Here's a quick recap.
1. Make a Plan Ahead of Time
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can lessen your chances of going off-trail or needing to be rescued by being aware of potential hazards and detours. You can also reduce the quantity of rubbish you have to transport by repackaging food in order to eliminate as much packing material as possible.
It's also important to know how popular your favorite trail is and how many people their campsites can accommodate. If you have a large group, it may be important to divide it into smaller groups in order to avoid overstressing local resources.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Hike on existing paths rather than creating new ones through the woods. It also implies that if you are traveling off the beaten road, such as when hunting, you should avoid areas where a new path is emerging.
For campers, this means just camping in designated locations where there is no vegetation to knockdown. If you must camp in pristine wilderness, do the opposite; avoid previously used campsites in these areas, as frequent use will make it more difficult for native vegetation to recover.
Make sure you're at least 200 feet away from rivers, lakes, and streams wherever you're camping to avoid contaminating natural water.
3. Correct Waste Disposal
If you were a Scout growing up, you've probably heard the slogan "pack it in, pack it out." Basically, devise a strategy for disposing of any garbage you bring with you. This includes candy wrappers, food waste, and any other sources of garbage.
This includes keeping at least 200 feet away from water sources while performing your duties. Dig a six to eight-inch cathole and cover it up when you're done if you need to go number two.
4. Leave What You Discover
This principle applies to the natural environment as well as any animals you may encounter. Because invasive species have caused havoc on many ecosystems throughout the world, avoid introducing non-native animals into an area or removing native critters from their natural environment.
Similarly, witnessing beautiful natural and cultural things is a big reason why so many people enjoy being outside. Taking items from a state or natural park lowers the value of the experience for everyone. Construction of structures such as walls or shelters is also prohibited.
5. Lessen the Impact of Campfires
Campfire impacts are classified into two types. The first is self-evident: the effect of the fire. Keep all fire regulations in mind, and only start a campfire if it is legal in your area and there are no restrictions. Nonetheless, keep in mind that a fire ring causes long-term damage to the ground beneath it. Only light a campfire in a designated fire ring.
Another effect of fire is the removal of wood from the surrounding environment. Make sure to only use dead wood that has already fallen to the ground. If it's still on the tree, leave it alone.
6. Keep Wildlife in Mind
Respect for wildlife entails not interfering with their natural behaviors. Feel free to view and photograph elk while they are grazing, for example. But keep your distance and don't scare them. Remember that you are a guest in their home.
Understanding that many animals may – and will – hurt you is also part of respecting wildlife. A grizzly bear is a gorgeous creature, but if you come across one, stay safe and back away slowly.
Finally, keep in mind that your pets can have just as much of an impact on the environment as you can. Pets should be kept close by or left at home.
7. Be Wary of Other Visitors
Respect for fellow campers is the final Leave No Trace principle that every camper should follow. Take pauses and pitch your tent far enough away from the pathway to prevent blocking the path of other campers. Also, avoid yelling or making other loud noises. Allow other campers to enjoy the sounds of birds and animals, as well as the wind rustling through the trees.
If you follow these seven Leave No Trace rules, you will genuinely Leave No Trace in the outdoors. And you'll be helping to preserve beautiful, undisturbed countryside for future generations.