Adventures

It is more than “Take Only Photos, Leave Only Footprints”!

February 19, 2022 /

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We all know the phrase “take only pictures, leave only footprints” but leave no trace is so much more than that! There are actually seven principles that make up the basics of leaving no trace when traveling in the backcountry!

#1 – Plan Ahead & Prepare

  • Research the location you are heading.
  • Be sure to know the predicted weather forecast and terrain you are traveling.
  • Pack only what is necessary but bring all the proper equipment for the adventure ahead.
  • Repack food to minimize waste.

#2 – Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • The best campsites are FOUND NOT MADE! So choose an established campsite over a backcountry one and do not alter the area to make it sutible to your liking.
  • Camp in a clear area that is at least 200 feet from water sources.
  • Travel on maintained trails and durable surfaces.
    • Durable surfaces include rock, gravel, sand, dry grass & snow.
  • Avoid hiking and camping where human impacts are begining.

#3 – Dispose of Waste Properly

  • PACK IN, PACK OUT!
  • Human Waste:
    • Use toliets when possible.
    • Be at least 200 feet from water sources
    • For #2 – Dig a cathole about 6-8ins deep and cover.
    • Pack out toliet paper & hydiene products
  • Trash:
    • Bring it home with you!
    • Pick up trash you see along the way!
  • Kitchen:
    • Strain Dirty water
    • Pack out food left overs!
    • Dipose of dity water at least 200 feet from water sources & campsites

#4 – Leave What You Find

  • Don’t take plants or destory vegetation
  • Don’t introduce non-native species to new area. (i.e. clean off hiking boots before hiking in new places)
  • Don’t build structures, or dig trenches
  • Examine, photograph but do not touch cultural or historic artificats!

#5 – Minimize Campfire Impact

  • Use Established campfire pits
  • Make sure you have a way to put a fire out (i.e. bucket of water)
  • Keep fires small
  • Extinguish fires when you are done with them.
  • Only use wood available in the location you are, do not bring wood from home or other areas.

#6 – Respect Wildlife

  • This is their home, let them be.
  • Observe and watch animals from a distances. Do not distrib them.
  • Never feed animals (also never throw food scraps in the woods)
  • Use bear boxes camping!
  • Control your pets at all times

#7 – Be Considerate of Other Visitors

  • LET NATURE’S SOUNDS PREVAIL!
  • Keep noise levels down. If you want music, keep it down and use headphones.
  • Yeild to other adventures. When hiking, hikers traveling up have the right away.

Bonus Principle – HAVE FUN!

  • The great outdoors is an amazing place to have fun memories!
  • Just keep it safe and protect the area you are in so others can enjoy it too!