Leave No Trace

What are the principles of Leave No Trace?

These are the golden rules of outdoor recreation. Simply put: Leave the wild places you visit the way you would like to find them. 

Plan ahead and prepare:

• Carry a map and know where you are going to reduce the chance of having to travel off trail.
• Always pack out trash. Repackage food to reduce waste.
• Schedule trips during low-use times and travel in small groups.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces:

• Camp on durable surfaces. These include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
• Protect plant and wildlife habitat by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of waste properly:

• Pack it in, pack it out.
• Do your business in “cat holes” at least 200 feet from water, and cover the hole when done. Or pack it out in a “groover.” 
• 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:

• That rock or antler looks cooler in the wild than on a shelf at home.

Minimize campfire impacts:

• No raging bonfires. Burn only when essential in established fire rings or using a low-impact mound fire.

Respect wildlife:

• View from a distance.
• Never feed wildlife.
• Control pets so that they don’t harass or scare wildlife.

Be considerate of other visitors:

• Be quiet and let others coming up the trail pass by.