This post describes how to leave no trace when spending time in nature. “Leave no trace” means to respect nature and sustain the environment through 7 basic rules.
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Hiking and camping are great ways to enjoy the earth by submersing yourself in nature. It is important to remember that humans are guests when traveling throughout the backcountry and should respect their host. Would you throw your garbage on the floor when visiting someone elses home? Of course not. Nature is home to diverse wildlife and it is our responsibility to respect it.
What does “leave no trace” mean?
Leaving no trace means leaving nature exactly how you found it. There are 7 basic rules to follow in order to keep nature as wild as possible, so that we as humans can enjoy it to the fullest extent. Whether you are hiking, camping, kayaking, or any other outdoor activity, always use the following principles.
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Every region is different. When planning a trip, research the local regulations and weather before heading out. Information regarding local wildlife and camping regulations is easily found on the state website in which you’ll be exploring. Smaller groups minimize impact on the earth, so large groups are advised to separate when trekking and camping. Pack wisely to ensure preparation for any unforeseen circumstances.
Tread on Sustainable Surfaces
Over time, continued use will wear down natural surfaces. Rock, sand, and dry grass is most durable. Travel on these surfaces when possible. In popular destinations, traveling on pre-existing trails and camping at pre-existing campsites minimizes our overall impact. Camp about 70 large steps away from water sources to prevent contamination.
Dispose of Waste Properly
When you leave the backcountry, it is important that there is no way to tell that you were ever there. This means packing out everything that you packed in. Dispose of trash and other waste properly after you leave to prevent harm to wildlife. When using the bathroom, move about 70 big steps away from water sources and dig a cathole when necessary. When washing dishes, bathing, or brushing your teeth, use only bio-degradable products and dispose in small increments away from natural water sources.
Leave What you Find
Nature has so much beauty to see. Key word, see. We don’t need to take things home from the wilderness. Leave no trace principles require leaving everything the way you found it to avoid disrupting natural processes. Many laws are in place all over the world that prohibit removing items from nature. Everything you see in nature has a purpose in the bigger picture, so just take photos and leave footprints.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can ruin natural soil and present danger to wildlife. Only light a campfire in designated locations, and avoid fires in places that do not already have a fire pit. Especially when hiking, there are strict regulations on fires at certain altitudes due to fragile soil and risk of wildfire. The best way to avoid fines and repercussions is to cook using a camp stove. This option cooks your camp food quickly and easily with minimal damage to the ecosystem.
Respect Wildlife
We are guests in nature, so be respectful of those who live there. To leave no trace, do not touch wildlife or disrupt their natural processes. Camp away from water sources to allow them to access, and do NOT feed animals in nature. If we feed the animals, this interrupts their natural process of finding food. This is also important when storing food and trash. Follow all local regulations for storing food. If the animals eat our food, they will begin to associate humans as a food source disrupting the natural ecosystem. Dangerous situations can occur when animals associate humans with food.
Be Considerate of Others
It is important to note that we spend time in nature to get away from people. Nature provides a calm, peaceful, and relaxing experience as long as we are considerate of others. Do not be that person that bothers everyone else when spending time outside. Keep noise to a minimum, and follow proper etiquette on the trail. Be aware that there will likely be other dogs on the trail, so make sure your dog is capable of respecting everyone else as well.
Click here to download a printable “Leave No Trace” poster!
These leave no trace principles are mostly common sense, so following them is not difficult. Use your judgement in all situations as nature is unpredictable. Enjoying nature is dependent upon humans respecting the earth and everything on it. Minimize your impact so nature stays as wild as possible.
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