Leave No Trace

As more and more people use the Trail and other backcountry areas, it becomes more important to learn to enjoy wild places without ruining them. The best way to do this is to understand and practice the principles of Leave No Trace, a seven-point ethic for enjoying the backcountry that applies to everything from a picnic outing to a long-distance expedition. Leave No Trace is also a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching the principles of low-impact use. For more information, visit the Leave No Trace Web site: www.lnt.org.

The seven principles of the Leave No Trace ethic are:

Plan ahead and prepare. When you don't have the facts about where you are going or what to expect, you're more likely to cause problems in the backcountry.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stay on the trail and don't cut switchbacks. Keep off fragile trailside areas, such as alpine zones. Camp in designated spots.

Dispose of waste properly. Bury or pack out excrement. Pack out all trash and food waste, including that left behind by others. Do not bury trash or food, and do not try to burn packaging materials in campfires.

Leave what you find. Don't take flowers or other sensitive natural resources. Don't disturb historical artifacts such as cellar holes and arrowheads.

Minimize campfire impacts. Know local regulations, which may prohibit fires.

Respect wildlife. Don't feed or disturb wildlife. Store foods properly to avoid attracting bears and rodents. If you bring a pet, keep it leashed.

Be considerate of others. Limit overnight groups to ten or fewer, twenty-five on day trips. Minimize noise and intrusive behavior. Use cell phones out of sight and sound of other people. Share shelters and other facilities. Be considerate of Trail neighbors.