Difference between revisions of "7 Principles of Leave No Trace"

Revision as of 17:21, 13 December 2017

The following list outlines the Seven Principles of Leave no Trace.

1. Plan ahead and Prepare
   • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you will 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 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.
   • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 70 metres from lakes and streams.
   • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
   • In popular areas:
     • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
     • 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.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
   • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilt foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
   • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 15 to 20 centimetres deep at least 70 metres from the water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
   • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
   • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 70 metres away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
4. Leave what you Find
   • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artefacts.
   • 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 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.
6. Respect Wildlife
   • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
   • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviours, 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.
7. Be Considerate of Others
   • 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.

Reference:

• A Leader's Guide to Leave No Trace, Toshiba Canada and Scouts Canada (via Web Archive)
• Trail Card: http://www.scouts.ca/wp-content/uploads/tc/tc-cs-Leave-No-Trace.pdf
• http://www.leavenotrace.ca