Leave No Trace or (LNT) principles are essential guidelines that help hikers minimize their impact on the environment and preserve it for future generations.

As an avid hiker and backpacker, I can contest to the importance of these principles. As a whole, we are missing the mark when it comes to protecting our trails and campgrounds.

After spending some enjoyable days hiking with my family in Arizona during spring break, I saw some things that stood out when it comes to these principles. Some great, some not so great.

So, with that in mind, I thought it would be beneficial for my audience to re-establish the framework regarding these 7 founding principles. That way, we can set up our future generations to a planet in better shape than we found it.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the article!

 

 

For more information on LNT, the United States Department of Agriculture has great insight on this topic. You can check them out here.

 

 

 

The History of Leave No Trace Principles

Let’s go back in time for a moment.

As the 1960’s were coming to an end, outdoor recreation was becoming more popular by the minute. The influx of equipment for outdoor activities such as synthetic tents and sleeping pads drove the desire to get outdoors at a rapid pace.

Let’s take National Parks for instance, saw an increase of 140 million visitors from 1950-1970! And what these parks experienced was lots of ecological damage.

So, to solve this problem, regulations were imposed such as limits on group sizes and where camping was allowed.

 

The Shift to Education

 

The National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service teamed up in 1987 to teach visitors about minimal impact camping.

With varied LNT principles being discussed through the entire 1990’s, the list of principles dwindled down from 75 and dropping down to 6 with people’s input. So in 1999, the list we know as today as LNT has been the same ever since.

 

 

The 7 Founding Principles to LNT

Okay, so enough history and why Leave No Trace was formed, it’s time to get down to business. I’ll do my best not to rant and get straight to the point.

Let’s take a look at them.

Plan ahead and Prepare- This principle involves researching the area you plan to visit, including weather conditions, terrain, and regulations. It’s important to bring the necessary gear, food, and water while minimizing waste.

Proper planning can prevent accidents and minimize your impact on the environment.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces- Hikers should stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging vegetation and soil.

Avoid setting up camp near water sources, as this can cause erosion and pollute the water. Choose durable surfaces such as rock, gravel, or sand when possible.

 

Dispose the Waste Properly

This principle is straightforward. Pack out all trash. This includes food waste, toilet paper, and hygiene products. Hikers should also properly dispose of human waste by burying it in a small hole at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.

Leave What you Find- Hikers should leave natural and cultural resources undisturbed, including plants, rocks, and artifacts. Avoid damaging trees or breaking branches, and don’t disturb historical sites or structures.

 

Minimize Campfire Impact

Campfires can be great in a lot of ways, but if not properly managed, can be a disaster for the environment. For the most part, campfires are a significant source of pollution, so hikers should use established fire rings or camp stoves when possible. If building a fire, use small sticks and twigs and keep it small. When leaving, make sure the fire is entirely out and cool to the touch.

 

Respect the Wildlife.

Hikers should keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding them. Don’t disturb their habitats or approach them too closely. It’s also important to properly store food and garbage to prevent attracting animals.

 

Yes, you should be considerate of other visitors.

Hikers and campers should respect the rights of other visitors and maintain quiet in natural areas. Yield to other hikers on the trail, and avoid making excessive noise that can disturb others’ experiences.

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that will wrap things up for today. By following the Leave No Trace principles, hikers can make a significant difference in preserving the environment and ensuring it’s available for future generations. Each principle plays a vital role in protecting the environment and maintaining the beauty of the outdoors. So, next time you head out on a hike, remember these guidelines, and leave the environment in the same condition as you found it. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Please share how you contribute to the Leave No Trace principles when you go hiking and camping in the comment section below.

 

 

-CT