Leave No Trace

While enjoying the great outdoors, it is important to respect nature. “Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics focuses on educating people—instead of costly restoration programs or access restrictions—as the most effective and least resource-intensive solution to land protection.” The organization does many things in order to educate the public on how to “Leave No Trace”. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace is a great base to learn how to lessen one's impact and preserve the land. The Leave No Trace Organization understands that situations change and the Principals need to be revised in all situations. Regardless, here are the Principals, and ways you can Leave No Trace:

1. Plan ahead and prepare: Preparing for a trip not only helps ensure you and your group's safety, but also makes the trip much more enjoyable. 
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Staying on the marked trails and campsites, helps preserve the natural area from damage, erosion and possible safety issues. 
3. Dispose of waste properly: Leaving waste behind can be harmful to the local environment. Threatening water sources and wildlife all waste must be disposed of properly (including human waste).
4. Leave what you find: In order to preserve the natural area please do not take anything. Instead take a picture!
5. Minimize campfire impacts: Making sure there is a fire ring to avoid a potential spread of fire, and there is an abundance of sufficient wood is important. 
6. Respect wildlife: “Quite observation” is key, and making sure not to disturb wildlife or plants. 
7. Be considerate of other visitors: Courtesy to other guests is just as important as being  considerate of the environment. 

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Please visit the Leave No Trace Website for additional information: 
https://lnt.org/ https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/