Leave No Trace

Written By Joni Coci

THURSDAY THOUGHTS. . . LET’S DISCUSS!

Topic: LEAVE NO TRACE (LNT)

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Imagine this: You're hiking through a mountains, the sun dappling behind a hill, birds chirping a symphony just for you, the air is fresh, and the scenery is straight out of a fairytale. Suddenly, you stumble upon a pile of trash that looks like it was left by a raccoon hoarder. Ugh!!! Not exactly the zen moment you were hoping for, right?

Enter the world of Leave No Trace. . . or LNT. Your goal is to enjoy nature without nature knowing you were even there. No extra footprints, no candy wrappers, and definitely no loud renditions of "Bohemian Rhapsody". LNT isn't just a set of guidelines; it's a lifestyle choice. The cornerstone of outdoor ethics. It's about treating nature with the respect it deserves and ensuring that future generations can enjoy it just as much as you do.

The origin of the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles can be traced back to the mid-20th century when increased outdoor recreation started to cause noticeable environmental impacts. Here’s a brief overview of the development of these principles:

1. 1960s: As outdoor recreation became more popular, environmental impacts such as trail erosion, litter, and damage to natural habitats became more evident. The U.S. Forest Service and other land management agencies began to recognize the need for education on responsible outdoor behavior.

2. 1970s: The concept of "minimum impact camping" emerged, promoting techniques to reduce the ecological footprint of outdoor activities. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and other organizations started to develop and teach these practices.

3. 1980s: The U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the National Park Service (NPS) collaborated to formalize and promote the idea of "Leave No Trace" as a comprehensive set of guidelines. The Leave No Trace program was initially aimed at backcountry and wilderness users.

4. 1990s: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics was established in 1994 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and partnerships. The organization developed and refined the seven principles that are widely recognized today.

5. 2000s to Present: The principles have been adapted and promoted globally, with various educational programs, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about minimizing human impact on natural environments. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics continues to work with land management agencies, outdoor educators, and recreational groups to spread the message.

Here are the seven core principles:

1. 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.

  • Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for marking paint, rock cairns, or flagging.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:

  • Stick to established trails and campsites.

  • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when it's wet or muddy.

  • Camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams.

  • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly:

  • Pack it in, pack it out. Carry out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

  • Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6-8 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.

  • Use biodegradable soap and scatter strained dishwater.

4. Leave What You Find:

  • Preserve the past: examine, 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.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact:

  • 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.

6. 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.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors:

  • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

  • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.

  • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.

  • Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

You can read more about Leave No Trace here: The Leave No Trace Story - Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (lnt.org)

Joni Coci
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