7 Principles
"The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Although Leave No Trace has its roots in backcountry settings, the Principles have been adapted so that they can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your own backyard. They also apply to almost every recreational activity. Each Principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information for minimizing impacts.
The Seven Principles are well established and widely known, but they are not static. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics continually examines, evaluates and reshapes the Principles. The Center’s Education Department conducts research — including publishing scholarly articles in independent journals — to ensure that the Principles are up to date with the latest insights from biologists, land managers and other leaders in outdoor education."
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Having a plan helps travelers and the land alike. By considering adverse weather, terrain, and travel routes, you can be prepared with the proper equipment and guidance to keep yourself, and your surroundings, safe and unmarred.
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stay on the established path. By doing so, you can preserve surrounding plant life and make less impact on wildlife that relies on the land for survival. Straying from the path may cause erosion, endangerment of local flora and fauna, and increases your likelihood of getting lost!
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Carry all of your disposables with you until you can find a proper bin to discard. Doing so keeps our forests clean and clear of unsightly litter, and ensures the safety of plants and wildlife from human impact.
4. Leave What You Find
Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures. When departing from a campsite, leave it exactly as you found it. When hiking, do not disturb plants, rocks, artifacts, or park property. Help the environment and other hikers by leaving the outdoors untouched.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
It is up to you to determine fire safety. Follow your local guidelines. If traveling in a dry area, consider skipping the fire. If a campfire is deemed safe to start, use existing fire rings, never leave a fire unattended, and make sure fire is completely out before departing.
6. Respect Wildlife
Protect yourself and wildlife by keeping a distance. Educate yourself on the wildlife that exists in your area, and know what to do in an encounter. Do not, under any circumstances, feed the wildlife! It endangers you, the animals, and other visitors.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Always remember that you are not the only one trying to enjoy the outdoors. Maintain courtesy of others by keeping noise to a minimum, moving to the side for uphill hikers when traveling downhill, and making your presence known if approaching from behind.