Leave No Trace Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
- When are you going and with how many people? When possible, try to avoid high-use areas or peak-traffic times like weekends and holidays. If you’re traveling with a group, the smaller the better.
- What kind of equipment and clothing do you need? Do you need to prepare for extreme weather or terrain?
- Where are you traveling and what are the rules and regulations? Are there private land boundaries?
- What is the skill or comfort level of all members of your group? Plan your trip activities to accommodate everyone’s abilities.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
- If you pack it in, you should pack it out.
- Check your entire campsite for any leftover trash, food, litter, etc. Keep an eye out for micro-trash, like the corners of sauce packets, small wrappers, or miscellaneous small pieces of plastic. The rule of thumb is to try to leave the site cleaner than you found it.
- Dispose of human waste properly. If there are no designated restrooms, you will need to dig a cathole. Make sure you dig your cathole 6-8 inches deep, 4-6 inches in diameter, and at least 200 feet away from water. Cover the hole when you’re done. Some areas may require you to pack human waste out, so be aware of the regulations. Toilet paper and other bathroom products should definitely be packed out.
- Use biodegradable soap when you’re washing anything, including yourself. You should carry the water 200 feet away from the stream or lake. Strain used dishwater to collect any food scraps and then scatter the water away from the campsite.
4. Leave What You Find
- Leave plants, rocks, and other natural objects in their habitats.
- Do not remove any cultural or historic artifacts you find on public lands.
- Don’t vandalize nature with engravings or scratches.
- Try not to dig trenches, construct structures, or build fire rings unless you absolutely have to.
- Avoid bringing in species of other kinds to different habitats.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Think about where you’re building your fire. Use established fire rings or fire mounds when possible.
- Know about the fire restrictions in the area. Be aware of seasonal fire danger.
- Don’t bring wood from home. Either buy it from a local source or gather it responsibly.
- To gather firewood responsibly, gather from a wide area around your camp. Only take small pieces of dead, downed wood. Don’t strip branches from standing or downed trees.
- Be sure to put your fire out completely and dispose of ash responsibly.