Whenever I go out on the trails I'm dismayed with how little my fellow outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the outdoors. I see discarded water bottles, energy packets, and other waste that needn't be mentioned.
As the outdoors have become more popular a few guidelines should be shared to help keep the experience as it should be for all who are blessed by nature. Leave No Trace is a 40+ year old program conceived by the US forestry service.
Here are some guidelines along with a some of the tips:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
3. 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.
4. Leave What You Find.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts.
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
6. Respect Wildlife.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Leaving No Trace
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