OPENTRAILS

Leave No Trace: Seven Principles

Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks. As we spend time outdoors, in the natural world and in wilderness, it’s important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. Following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, summarized below, can help us minimize those impacts. They can be applied anywhere, at any time, while taking part in recreational activities.

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. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass or GPS to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow. Protect riparian areas by camp ing at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary. In popular areas: Concen trate 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, food preparation areas, and

rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Utilize toilet facilities whenever possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from 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 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. 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

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, [habituates them to humans], 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 Other Visitors

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.

These principles were established by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and built on work by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management in the mid 1980s. This relationship continues today. The principles are based on and informed by scientific research in the fields of recreation ecology and human dimensions of natural resources. Take a look at the science behind the principles on the Leave No Trace website.

As more and more people chose to hike and camp and camp in wilderness areas, lessening our impact is becoming more and more important. In many

areas some trails are getting loved to death by large crowds, garbage and environmental damage. We firmly believe that nature is for everyone. Both experienced outdoors-people and newbies deserve to experience the outdoors. But in order for that to happen, we all need to learn a bit more about how to be responsible hikers and campers.

Remember that we were all beginners once. On one of my first backpacking trips I washed the crusty noodles out of my pot… into a tiny alpine stream. I was surprised when they just sank to the bottom instead of magically flowing away (like they would in my sink at home). I knew I was doing it wrong… but I

didn’t know what else to do. It was an important moment for me. I realized that I didn’t know what I didn’t know.. and that I needed to learn more about how to treat the wilderness.

seven principles of Leave No Trace. And knowing the “why” and “how” behind each principle makes it a bit easier to understand and apply the principles and to teach them to others.

And if you see a stranger doing something not-so-ethical, consider talking to them about it. Be friendly and give them the benefit of the doubt. Don’t be the finger-wagging bad cop. Speak to them as you would a friend. Remember that we are all in this together, and we were all beginners once.

It’s important to know the

Improve Your Health And Wellness

At National Parks

Parks protect some of our most treasured landscapes, historic sites, battlefields, cityscapes, and seascapes. These resources — that nurture, sustain, and inspire us — are now being valued and understood for their collective benefits as a health resource to the American public.

Visiting parks increases your physical activity.

While you are exploring new places, enjoying beautiful landscapes, and learning about America’s cultural resources and history, you are moving your body. Whether you choose to walk, roll, run, hike, or bike — at a leisurely or heart pumping pace — you are improving your physical,

mental, and brain health. Enjoy your visit while still being active.

Increasing your physical activity by even a small amount can have a big impact on your health! And exercising in nature — or green exercise — has even greater benefits on your health then being active indoors.

Visiting parks increases your exposure to nature.

Nature has positive effects on our health when you soak in the environment through your sense of sight, hearing, smell, or touch. Every park provides unique experiences to improve your health. Take full advantage of the health benefits of being in nature by choosing environments that make you feel comfortable and safe. Consider the types of landscapes and natural spaces that you enjoy and plan an adventure!

“Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing”

(White et al., 2019)

Visiting parks promotes mindfulness.

It is getting more challenging to escape the distractions of every day life. By practicing mindfulness in parks, or focusing on being present, you can feel happier and less stressed. Find a quiet place to focus on your breathing or the sensations you feel around you — the feel of grass, the smell of flowers, the sound of the river. Journal your experience to help you concentrate on what you are feeling.

Visiting

parks

inspires curiosity and life-long learning.

Parks preserve, protect and share some of our most important historical and cultural resources. Visit a park to expand your knowledge, challenge your perspective, and learn new skills. Life-long learning even promotes brain function and self-confidence.

Find a park that sparks your curiosity!

doing your part to our natural world. your part protect our natural world.