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Leave No Trace
Outdoor Ethics
The following backcountry travel tips are based on principles developed
by the national "Leave No Trace" program. For more details,
contact LNT at 1-800-332-4100 or visit
their website at
http://www.lnt.org.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare:
Plan ahead by considering your goals and those of your group.
Prepare by gathering information, communicating expectations, and
acquiring the technical skill, first aid knowledge, and equipment to the
trip right.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
In high use areas, concentrate activity within established campsites
and trails where additional use causes little impact. Avoid making
parallel trails, cutting switchbacks, or widening trails. In
remote areas, travel in groups of no more than six people. Hike
and camp on surfaces such as rock, sand, gravel, and snow.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out:
Repackage food to conserve space and minimize potential litter.
Pack out all trash, including food waste, as animals can become
accustomed to and dependent on unnatural food sources.
- Dispose of Waste Properly:
Properly dispose of human waste. Use vault and compost toilets
where available. In glacial areas, pack out human waste - the
"blue bag" system or other commercial options are available. Check
with ranger station for details. In forested areas, dig a "cathole"
6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep in organic soil at least 200 ft (61 m) from
water, trails, and camp. Urinate on rock or bare soil. Waste
water from dishwashing, cooking, bathing, or laundry should be scattered
at least 200 ft (61 m) from camps and water sources.
- Leave What You Find:
Do not alter campsites by trenching around tents or building walls,
tables, or lean-tos; dismantle excessive user-built facilities such as
multiple fire rings. Avoid damaging live trees and plants.
Leave flowers, natural objects, and cultural artifacts for others to
enjoy.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts:
Use campstoves instead of fires. If you do build a fire: bring
a fire pan or build a mound fire, collect small pieces of dead or downed
wood, know current regulations and weather concerns, and do not leave
until the wood is cool enough to hold.
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