Leave No Trace Program Principles

 Plan Ahead and Prepare


 Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
 Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.
 Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
 Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4 - 6.
 Repackage food to minimize waste.
 Use a map and compass to eliminate use of rock cairns, flagging or marking paint.


 Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces


 Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
 Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet away from lakes, streams
 Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
 In popular areas
 Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
 Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
 In pristine areas
 Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
 Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
 Dispose of Waste Properly
 Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
 Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished.
 Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
 To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.


 Leave What you Find


 Preserve the past, observe but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
 Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
 Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
 Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.


 Minimize Campfire Impacts


 Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
 Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires.
 Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
 Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.


 Respect Wildlife


 Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
 Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife 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.
 Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
 Avoid wildlife during sensitive times, mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
 Be Considerate of Other Visitors
 Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
 Be courteous, yield to other users on the trail.
 Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
 Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
 Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.