Leave No Trace:

-What is Leave No Trace?

Website: https://www.lnt.org/

Philosophy

Organization: LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics

-Problems LNT tackles.:

Trashed Natural Areas

Polluted Water

Misinformation about the Outdoors

Wildlife at Risk

Damaged Trails

Destructive Fires

Connecting Youth to Nature

Crowded Parks

-The 7 Principles(Framework of minimal impact practices)

LNT 7 Principals

-Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare

-Why Is Trip Planning Important?.

-Elements to Consider:

Weather

Terrain

Regulations/restrictions

Private land boundaries

Average hiking speed of the group and anticipated food consumption (leftovers create waste which leaves a trace!)

Group size (does it meet regulations, trip purpose, and Leave No Trace criteria?)

-Example of Poor Planning- Sipsey Trip

-Principal 2: Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

Travel on Trails: Trails are designed to keep from scaring the landscape. Provide space for other hikers. (may change to include social distancing measures during COVID-19)

Traveling off-trail-  Remote areas, bathroom privacy, and campsite exploring. Factors that affect the land. Durability refers to the ability of surfaces or vegetation to withstand wear or remain in a stable condition(Rocks vs Ice/Snow). Frequency of use and large group size increases the likelihood that a large area will be trampled, or that a small area will be trampled multiple times.

Camp on Durable Surfaces: High-use Areas vs. Undisturbed Remote Areas

-Principal 3:Dispose of Waste Properly

Trash: Pack in and Pack-out

Human Waste: Bury or Pack Out

Cat Holes: 6-8 deep/4-6 in wide, 200 ft (70 steps) away from water, 75-100 ft off-trail/away from the campsite.

Toilet Paper: Only bury if plain, white, and non-perfumed.

Tampons: Pack Out

Urine: Wildlife

Wastewater: 200 feet away from water.

Soaps and Lotions: 200 feet away from water.

-Principal 4: Leave what you find.

Minimize Site Alterations

Avoid Damaging Live Trees and Plants

Leave Natural Objects and Cultural Artifacts

-Principal 5:Minimize Campfire Impacts

Should You Build a Fire?

Lessening Impacts When Campfires Are Used

Firewood and Cleanup

-Principle 6: Respect Wildlife

Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.”

Travel quietly and do not pursue, feed, or force animals to flee.

-Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Technology

Trail Traffic(people, bikes,  and equestrians)

Pets