The Seven Leave No Trace Principles

Posted: March 02, 2018 | Author: Kevin Koontz | Read Time: 1 minutes

The Leave No Trace program is founded on seven principles. They help all enjoy the natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts. These principles can be implemented from a backyard to backcountry.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Be prepared, avoid high use times, travel in smaller groups
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies
• Know the area and plan accordingly, repackage food

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Use established trails and campsites; rock, gravel, grasses, and snow
• Camp 200 feet from lakes and streams
• Do not alter sites, stay on trail, avoid fresh vegetation

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out; grab everything including perishables
• Deposit human waste in holes 6" deep, 200' from water; disguise
• Clean yourself and dishes 200' from water using biodegradable soap

Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past, look but do not touch or keep
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches
• Leave rocks, plants, flowers, and other natural objects

Minimize Campfire Impact

• Campfires cause lasting impact; use stoves, lantern, or headlamps
• Use fire pans where fires permitted, keep them small
• Burn completely to ash, scatter cool ashes

Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance, avoid during sensitive times
• Never feed wildlife, store your food securely
• Control your own pets at all times, never follow or approach wildlife

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Be courteous, protect quality of their experience
• Yield to other users on trail, camp away from trails and others
• Let nature's sounds prevail, avoid loud voices, music, and noises

Visit SUU Outdoors or contact the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC) for more information.

Tags: Outdoor Recreation Blog Outdoors SUU Outdoors

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