More people are getting outside to enjoy all that nature has to offer. We are fortunate in Idaho and the rest of the Pacific Northwest to have so many different outdoor activities to participate in – hiking and biking on trails, kayaking in rivers, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling in the backcountry, camping during all four seasons, to name just a few. There is so much beauty all over the state and we love going out and soaking it all in. If we want all of this to be around for generations to come, we have to take care of it. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to abide by the seven leave no trace principles.
I’ve been asked recently by several people what this means. You can do a quick Google search and discover what these principles are. However, I recommend taking a peek at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website at LNT.org. I love that they use “educating people – instead of costly restoration programs or access restrictions – as the most effective and least resource-intensive solution to land protection.”
So, what exactly are these seven principles? Here is a quick rundown:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the area you will be in, prepare for any kind of weather, and be prepared with maps and a compass.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Stay on existing trails and take care where you camp; be sure to camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- If you pack it in, be prepared to pack it out – including toilet paper. Take plenty of extra garbage bags to pick up trash others may have left behind.
- Leave What You Find
- Don’t pick up and transport rocks or other natural objects to other areas; don’t dig trenches or build structures – leave things as you found them….unless it’s garbage – see above.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Use established fire rings where fire is permitted. Keep campfires small and be sure they are completely out before leaving. Cook on a small camp stove when possible.
- Respect Wildlife
- Never feed wild animals and make sure your pets don’t chase them.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Be respectful of others who are there trying to enjoy the outdoors as well. Keep your distance and noise at a minimum.
Leaving no trace is everyone’s responsibility. It makes us sad and angry to see different areas being closed down due to people not following these simple steps. So…you’ve been educated at least just a bit. Please spread the word and do your part so our lands stay beautiful for generations to come.
What do you do to leave no trace? Leave us a comment to share – we’d love to hear from you!
