What Are The Leave No Trace Principles and Why Are They Important?
Leave no trace principles are essentially the basic rules that are to be followed when hiking or camping in nature to limit the environmental impact on nature. These rules are commonly referred to as the “7 Leave No Trace Principles”. Given the fragility of nature and ecosystems, it is important to follow these rules as closely as possible so we can not only minimize our impact on the environment but also keep the wilderness wild and allow others to enjoy nature in its most untouched form as well. So without further ado here are the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
#1. Plan and Prepare:
This is relatively self-explanatory, look into the rules and regulations of the park if permits are required make sure you try to get them ahead of time. Only camp in areas designated by the park. Try to avoid the busier season if you can as the more people present there is an inevitable greater impact on the environment. Make sure you look into the park ahead of time follow its rules, and be prepared for your trip this means bringing the correct equipment to be sure you are adhering to the leave no trace principles while on the trail.
#2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
Whether you are hiking or camping makes sure you are doing it on durable surfaces such as sand, gravel, rock, or snow. You want to avoid damaging vegetation during your trip even if a picture of you in a meadow is great for Instagram it isn’t so great for the wildflowers you are standing on! When you are searching for a campsite in a heavily used area use an existing campsite. Contrarily when you are in a pristine area you want to avoid camping in areas that appear to be turning into an established campsite to give the fauna a chance to recover. Another rule to keep in mind is you want to keep a 200ft distance from any body of water.
#3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Okay, this one I can easily make into its post and I probably will at some point but for now here is what you need to know. The first rule is whatever you pack in your pack out. Granola bar wrappers, used toilet paper, whatever it is you bring in you are responsible for packing it and bringing it out of the park to dispose of it properly. When you are going to the bathroom make sure that you are 200 feet away from all water sources and trails and be sure to dig your ditches for pooping at least 6 to 8 inches deep and cover it up (do not forget to pack out your used toilet paper!).
#4. Leave What You Find
This is a super simple one do not touch or move anything. So no picking flowers or messing with any of the rocks, plants or wildlife. Do not alter the environment or build any structures such as chairs or trenches in the park. You may look but no touch!
#5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can be damaging to the areas on which they are started disrupting the soil and natural mineral content. Try to avoid using a campfire if you can and use a portable stove instead. In regions where fires are permitted be sure to use established fire rings and only dead/downed wood for the fire. When you are finished with the fire make sure everything has been burnt down to ash and that the fire is completely extinguished. Once extinguished disperse the remaining ashes.
#6. Respect The Wildlife
Again a pretty obvious one but cannot leave anything to chance. Leave the wildlife alone, keep your distance (sorry no selfies), and DO NOT feed the wildlife. Also be sure to secure your food properly using either bear boxes, bear canisters or a bear hang depending on the rules of the park you are in.
#7. Be Considerate of Others
Another easy one just be nice to other and respectful of their time in the park. Avoid yelling or playing music through a speaker and allow others to enjoy nature without having to listen to you or your music. When taking breaks or camping give ample space to others all of these parks are pretty big no need to be on top of eachother!
Want to Learn More About Leave No Trace???
Here are some great resources for more information regarding leave no trace principles!
