The 7 principles of Leave No Trace are meant to assist adventurers in leaving a place better than when they found it, and also to prepare them for an outdoor excursion.
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
While spur-of-the-moment adventures are fun, not planning ahead can be detrimental to travelers and the land around them. Making sure you know your destination location, the kind of terrain you will be encountering, the weather during your outing, and the skill level of your travel companions, can help ensure a successful expedition. In addition to these kinds of planning preparations, you should think about how much food to bring, how much water will be needed (approximately 2 gallons of water per day per person is suggested), and whether or not there are any restrictions in place at the destination.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Stay on designated trails and camp in areas that are able to withstand the effects of camping. Traveling and camping in already-worn areas is not an option in some cases. In these instances, remember to tread lightly and minimize your impact on the area.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
There are a few factors to consider. First: human waste and how to properly dispose of it. Some parks and areas have human waste disposal bags that can be used for the purpose of properly disposing of waste, but you have to bring those back with you to be disposed of. When camping without a toilet, the most common way to dispose of human waste is to dig a cat hole. Cat holes should be dug about 200 feet from the campsite or any water source and should be about 6-8 inches in depth. After doing your business, fill in the hole and cover it with natural vegetation and rocks. Second: trash disposal. Pack it in, pack it out. It is best for wildlife and individuals hoping to enjoy the great outdoors that you take your trash with you. Every single time I visit the outdoors, I spend the first 20 minutes or so picking up trash that others have left behind so that we can enjoy our time outside.
4. Leave what you find.
By leaving what we see in its place, we allow others to admire it as well. This includes vegetation, artifacts, rocks, and other materials meant to be there. Lessen the impact on the site when in established camping areas by leaving the fire ring where you find it and not destroying or moving it. Avoid doing damage to living trees and plants and leave natural and cultural objects where they are. Wildlife depends on the availability of the natural resources around them for their habitat.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
In most National Parks, open campfires are not allowed. In our arid climate campfires are often allowed for only a short time. Drought conditions are a major reason for bans on campfires, making camp stoves a great option. They can be used for cooking and cause minimal impact on a campsite, whereas a campfire significantly impacts the campsite. Understanding how to build a fire, maintain a fire, and extinguish a fire are essential skills when having open flames in the wilderness.
6. Respect wildlife.
It is best to keep space between yourself and any wild animal you encounter. Quiet observation from a distance is best practice. Food storage and disposal are also important; anything with a scent should be securely stored so animals are unable to get into it. Camping near water is relaxing and a whole lot of fun, but animals still need access to it so remember to set up at least 200 feet from the water source.
7. Be considerate of other visitors.
Outdoor ethics and courtesy towards others, humans and wildlife, is an important practice. In general, when people head outdoors, they are trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind. Understanding some basic outdoor etiquette can go a long way in making your trip pleasant, and helping others have an enjoyable time too.
These principles are explored more in-depth at www.LNT.org and on many park websites. Always research any area before heading out on an adventure and let at least one person who is not going with you know the details of your arrival and return. Safety is a priority for you and your companions as travelers and visitors to natural spaces. Time in nature is time well spent, so take pleasure in the outdoors by being as prepared as you can be.
