The seven Leave No Trace principles are: plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. You can apply these principles to your camping or outdoor activities to help keep our natural areas clean and pristine.
Plan ahead and prepare: This principle is all about being prepared before you even start your trip. Know the area you’ll be visiting and what the Leave No Trace guidelines are. Have the proper gear and supplies for your trip, and make sure you know how to use them. This will help you have a more enjoyable trip and help reduce your impact on the environment.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces: When you’re out in nature, stick to durable surfaces like established trails and campsites. This will help prevent erosion and damage to delicate vegetation. If there are no established trails or campsites, try to walk on rocks or bare ground. Avoid walking through sensitive areas like meadows or wetlands.
Dispose of waste properly: This principle is all about properly disposing of your trash and human waste. Pack out all of your trash, and if you pack it in, pack it out. When it comes to human waste, bury it in a cathole six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from any water source. Toilet paper should be packed out.
Leave what you find: This principle is pretty self-explanatory. Leave rocks, flowers, and other natural items where you found them. Taking things from nature takes away from the experience for other visitors.
Minimize campfire impacts: If you do have a campfire, make sure it’s small and only used in designated areas. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it’s completely out before you leave. Collecting firewood from the area around your campsite can damage vegetation and lead to erosion. It’s best to buy firewood from a local source.
Respect wildlife: This principle is about respecting the animals that call the outdoors home. Never feed wildlife, and give them space if you encounter them on your trip. Make sure you’re aware of any regulations in the area regarding wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors: This principle is all about being respectful of other people who are enjoying the outdoors. Be courteous and follow Leave No Trace principles so everyone can enjoy the experience.