How can you minimize your impact on the wilderness you visit? It's everyone's responsibility - including yours - to learn how to walk softly in the wilderness.
Remember the saying: "Take only memories, leave only footprints." Together we can all make a difference towards sustaining a primitive wilderness for the visitors of the future.
Here are several wise rules to live by in the outdoors provided by the Leave No Trace association:
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Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Travel in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for tree scars, rock cairns, or ribbons.
- Repackage food into reusable containers.
- Prepare for all types of weather.
- Carefully evaluate the risks associated with your outing.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
On the trail
- Stay on designated trails. Walk in single file in the middle of the path. Do not cut switchbacks.
- When traveling cross-country, choose the most durable surface available: rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow.
At camp
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is unnecessary.
- Choose established legal campsites that won't be harmed by your stay.
- Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from lakes and streams.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash: yours and others.
- Deposit 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. Pack out toilet paper.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Leave What You Find
- Preserve the past. Do not damage historical structures or remove artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects where found.
- Do no build structures of furniture or dig trenches.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts on the backcountry. Always carry a lightweight stove for cooking. Enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Use dead, downed wood that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash. Put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed wild animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Keep pets under control at all times.
- Leave young animals alone.
- Avoid nesting, feeding or mating animals.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks on durable surfaces away from the trail.
- Let nature's sound prevail. Keep noise levels to a minimum.
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