Meant to be viewed as guidelines for those who care about the land — not as a set of rules — Leave No Trace principles were developed in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Here’s an abbreviated look at the seven principles:
1. Plan ahead and prepare. Know the terrain and any regulations applicable to the area you’re planning to visit, and be prepared for extreme weather or other emergencies. This will enhance your enjoyment and ensure that you’ve chosen an appropriate destination. Small groups have less impact on resources — and on the enjoyment of other backcountry visitors — than large ones.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces, which include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Good campsites are found, not made. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, and focus activities on areas where vegetation is absent. In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
3. Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out. 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.
4. Leave what you find. Cultural or historic artifacts, as well as natural objects such as plants or rocks, should be left as found.
5. Minimize campfire impacts. Cook on a stove. If a campfire is built, keep it small and use dead sticks found on the ground. Use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
6. Respect wildlife. View critters from a distance. Feeding wildlife alters their natural behavior.
7. Be considerate of other visitors. Be courteous, respect the quality of other visitors’ backcountry experience, and let the natural sounds of the forest prevail.
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