Poor planning and unexpected situations lead to high-impact, last minute solutions which degrade the great outdoors. Plan to make as little impact as you can.
Get information about your trip, and route of travel, from land managers.
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you plan to visit, purchase a map.
Repackage food into reusable and lightweight containers.
Proper planning and preparation will reduce impacts on the ground.
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
People cause excess damage to the land when trampling vegetation beyond repair. This results in soil erosion as well as unusable trails and campsites.
In high use areas walk or ride on established trails when possible.
Prevent erosion, trail widening and/or multiple trails from forming by using existing tread, please don’t cut switchbacks.
In remote areas prevent the development of trails by traveling cross-country.
Choose campsites that are well drained, in dry grass, exposed bedrock, duffy or sandy ground.
Properly Dispose of Waste
No one wants to see garbage in the Wilderness, spoiling its natural beauty. Human waste and grey water should be properly disposed.
Bury human waste in catholes 4-8″ deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails.
Cover and disguise the cathole. Do not leave toilet paper on the ground.
Bathe and wash at least 200 feet from all water sources. Use only small amounts of biodegradable soap.
Scatter dishwater away from lakes and streams after all food particles have been removed.
If you pack it in, pack it out. Please take your trash out with you.
Leave What you Find Behind
Try to minimize site alterations, such as digging trenches, hammering nails into trees, permanently clearing an area of rocks or twigs, or removing items.
Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, and archaeological artifacts where you find them.
Avoid damaging live trees by hammering nails into trees or hacking at them.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Many amazing areas have been degraded from the overuse of campfires, Leave No Trace ethics promote low-impact fires.
A good campsite is found, not made. Use existing campsites in high use areas that are at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, or trails.
In very remote areas, spread activities out (tents, kitchen, etc.), move camp often.
Camp at least 100 feet away from watering holes, lakes and – if possible – streams.
Respect Wildlife
Minimize your impact on wildlife and ecosystems.
In high-use areas bury fish entrails in a cathole, away from campsites.
If fishing, even for just the day, clean fish at home.
In remote areas fish entrails can be spread widely, out of sight.
If you are a hunter, field dress game animals well away from trails, water, and campsites.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Traveling in the backcountry quietly is respectful to others trying to enjoy the area.
When passing a large group or pack string please step a few yards off the trail.
If your traveling with dogs please be mindful of them at all times.
