Leave No Trace

Everyone enjoying the great outdoors should already be practicing "leave no trace", but that's not always the case.

Here's the basic 7 principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Proper planning can help ensure safety, minimize resource damage, and maximize enjoyment. This includes knowing the regulations and special concerns of the area you'll visit, preparing for extreme weather, and having a contingency plan.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging the land. In pristine areas, spread out to prevent the creation of new trails and campsites.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. Carry out all trash and leftover food. For human waste, dig a cat hole 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, trails, and camps. Use biodegradable soap sparingly and scatter strained dishwater.
4. Leave What You Find: Preserve the past and the present. Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. If you must have a fire, use established fire rings, keep fires small, and burn all wood to ash. Put out fires completely and scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals, as it damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect other users of the outdoors. Be courteous on the trail, keep noise levels down, and camp away from trails and other visitors. Ensure your actions do not negatively affect others' experiences.

Check out lnt.org for more.

Basically, respect the landscape and others around you. Whatever you pack in, pack it out. A few bad apples ruin the bunch and you don't want to be one of those, right?!

If we all strive to set a good example and leave no trace, the trails will be a better place to hike for all.