The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace: And how you can apply them!
If you are an outdoor adventure enthusiast like myself, you may have found yourself reading a blog post, an Instagram post or even watching a YouTube video and come across the concept of “Leave No Trace”. Upon first reading or hearing this phrase you may think it seems pretty self-explanatory. Don’t litter or cause any damage is was most people assume. And although neither of those is incorrect, we need to dig a little deeper to have a complete understanding.
Did you know that there are actually seven principles of Leave No Trace? And some of them are disregarded unintentionally? Here, we will be doing a deep dive into the seven principles and explore how we can apply them to our outdoor adventures. By understanding and practicing these principles, we can minimize our impact on the environment and ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty of our planet.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
This may seem obvious, but this goes beyond proper footwear, enough water and snacks, and packing sunscreen. Make sure to do your research. Look into the park or area you’re visiting and know what trail/s you plan on doing. Here are some other things to be aware of to adhere to this first principle.
- Be aware if you need a permit or reservation to hike, and also double check to see if there is a timed entry in place. Recently, many popular hikes now require a permit or reservation and this has caused some frustration within the hiking community. I’m in favor of this approach. As trails become more infamous, they attract more people, which can lead to more damage on the trail, especially if a multitude of folks are trying to hike it at once. With permits and reservation systems in place, parks can control the amount of traffic a trail receives and the timing.
- Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the park or area you’re visiting. There may be some that you are completely unaware of. For example, did you know it is against National Park regulations to spotlight wildlife (shining a flashlight on them)? It can be harmful to their safety and yours. Also, keep in mind that different park’s rules and regulations may vary from one another so always double-check.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Consider downloading a weather app to consistently check for changes since in many areas weather can be unpredictable. Pack a first aid kit, leave your itinerary with someone at home, and check in with park rangers before taking off on longer trails so multiple parties know where you are. While being out in nature is rewarding safety is not guaranteed. Expect the best but prepare for the worst!
- Travel in small groups. If your plans are with a larger group, break up into smaller ones while hiking. A good way to split it up is by skill level. Who are your faster hikers, and who prefers a more leisurely pace? Smaller groups will have less impact on the environment you’ll be coming into contact with and less chance of people treading off trail to walk beside each other.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
When exploring the outdoors, it is essential to minimize the impact we have on our environment. To properly follow this second principle, we must be aware of our surroundings.
- Stick to the existing trails and campsites. We want to forge our path in life, but not when it comes to hiking trails. This way you don’t risk disturbing any plants or soil. May trails and campsites are already forged with this in mind.
- Choose solid surfaces. If there isn’t an established trail or campsite, stick to more resilient surfaces such as rock, sand compact dirt or grass, and so on. Ideally, surfaces that can withstand repeated use without causing damage.
- While hiking, stay single-file on narrow trails. Again, this will help protect the surrounding area.
- Always camp at least 200 ft away from any water source. This removes the risk of contamination.
- Compact camping. If you’re camping somewhere that is not a designated campground keep your camp small. Also, avoid areas that may show signs of previous use not to add any further damage
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
For as long as I can remember I have seen signs in parks and heard people speak out against the negative impact of littering. But despite this negative impact being common knowledge, litter is still a huge problem. And I’m not just referring to your protein bar wrapper…
- Pack it in pack it out. Always triple-check your campsite or any area where you’ve stopped for leftover trash or spilled food. Bring a trash bag to keep it separate from your other belongings as you head back out.
- Human Waste. When nature calls, be sure you’re at least 200 ft. away from water sources, campsites, and trails. Deposit solid waste in a cathole dug 6 to 8 inches deep. Consider investing in a lightweight trowel for this purpose. Check some out here.
- Pet Waste. If your furry companion goes to the bathroom while hiking or camping, you need to take it with you when you leave. Pet waste attracts wild animals and can contain harmful pathogens. Be prepared to double bag it if necessary.
- Fruit and Veggie Peels: Contrary to popular belief, fruit peels don’t decompose quickly. Wildlife often eats them, leading animals to roadsides where they’re at risk. Additionally, non-native plants can grow from discarded fruit remains.
4. Leave What You Find.
It’s happened to all of us. We’ve found a unique rock, a colorful wildflower, or even a cool piece of driftwood while out on a hike, and we want to take it home with us as a fun and free souvenir. But this goes against our 4th principle. Leave No Trace isn’t just about what you leave behind, but also what you take.
- Preserve the Past. Observe cultural or historic structures and artifacts, but resist the urge to touch them. These objects hold significance and contribute to the story of the landscape.
- Natural Objects: Leave rocks, plants, and other natural items as you find them. These objects play a role in the ecosystem and provide a sense of discovery for others. It may just seem like “one rock” but imagine if that was the mindset of the millions of people who visit our national parks each year.
- Cultural Artifacts: Objects like antlers, petrified wood, or colored rocks add to the outdoor experience. Leave them for others to discover, as they may also play a vital role in the ecosystem.
- Leave everything exactly how you found it. This includes stacking rocks, moving logs or other larger pieces of nature to create seating, carving words into trees, or putting nails in trees for camping gear to hang from.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
It’s probably safe to say that when the majority of us think of camping we imagine sitting around a warm campfire. This is where story-telling happens, s’more-making takes place, and many more memories are made. Campfires are great…as long as they’re enjoyed responsibly and all rules and restrictions are followed.
- Use Alternatives. Opt for a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light. This will minimize the impact on the environment.
- Follow regulations. If fire restrictions allow, always use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Choose Wisely. Keep your campfire small. Only use small sticks that can be broken by hand. Make sure they are already down and dead. Always exercise caution when bringing your own wood from a long distance to prevent introducing invasive species.
- Properly Extinguish. Completely burn wood and coals to ash, and scatter them once cooled.
6. Respect Wildlife
I know personally, I get very excited when I spot wildlife while I’m exploring the outdoors. There is something effortlessly majestic about seeing creatures big and small in their most natural habitats. Enjoying the beauty of wildlife is totally acceptable, disrespecting it is not. But what exactly does this mean?
- Observe from a distance, but NEVER follow or approach. Even for that “perfect” social media photo, view wildlife from a safe distance (different parks may have different regulations for how far away you need to be). Avoid harassing wildlife. Harassing them in any way, including shouting to get their attention, can lead to fines and risks for both you and the animals.
- Never Feed Animals. Feeding wildlife can not only damage their health but also alter their natural behaviors. This can lead to putting humans at risk as well. And yes, this includes the cute little ducks and squirrels. They may look like they want bread but don’t give it to them!
- Properly store your food and garbage. Animals, especially bears, have an acute sense of smell. Storing food and trash in plastic bags won’t deter them. Invest in a proper bear-proof container, some parks like Yosemite, have their own list of approved containers. Store your canister at least 100ft downwind from your campsite.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Even if you have the most well-trained dog in the entire world, he/she is still a dog that wants to play, explore, and bark, which can be extremely disruptive to plants and wildlife. Keep them leashed (6 ft.) to protect both animals and your pet. Nature is unpredictable, and having them leashed protects the wildlife whose home you’re visiting and your pet.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times. This includes mating, nesting, raising young, and the winter season. Animals can be more aggressive, and our presence can be much more threatening to them at these times.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Many of us head out into nature seeking an awe-inspiring experience, and just by being considerate of one another we can all play a role in making that happen universally.
- Yield to others on the trail. Practice trail etiquette. Step aside to allow them to pass and always yield to those going uphill, as they need to maintain their momentum.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock (horses, mules, burros, or llamas carrying gear or supplies). This prevents spooking the animals and ensures everyone’s safety.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and others. Always respect each other’s space!
- Avoid loud voices or noises. Keep your voice to a conversational tone, nature is a space where many people go to find peace and maybe even some clarity. Always be respectful of this. (And yes, I’m also referring to playing music on a Bluetooth speaker while you hike.)
Conclusion: Do Your Part!
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting your adventures, we’re all perpetual students of nature. The seven Leave No Trace principles, rooted in scientific research from the 1980s, guide us toward responsible outdoor practices. As we explore, let’s remember that our collective efforts shape the future of these spaces.
I look forward to many more years of outdoor exploration, and I invite you to join me. Be an active participant, spread positivity, and revel in the beauty of our natural world.
There are my sources and other articles I think you should definitely check out to learn more!
