Last updated on April 26th, 2023 at 04:35 pm
With more and more people enjoying the great outdoors, the seven principles of leave no trace are more important than ever. Following these seven principles whenever out recreating will mean that everyone both now and in the future can continue to enjoy the great outdoors.
Luckily none of the seven principles are hard to follow and can soon just become ingrained in our day to day behaviours. Allowing us to recreate responsibly and of course continue to enjoy the world we love so much.
What Is Leave No Trace
Leave no trace was originally created to focus on backcountry travel however it can be applied by anyone in almost any setting. A focus on preserving the environment we have and being good stewards whilst also considering inclusivity in the outdoors.
Why Is Leave No Trace Important
The seven principles of leave no trace are needed and this can be seen almost every time you leave your house. The litter that accidentally slipped out of a pocket that someone didn’t chase down the street after. The trails where you don’t know which route to follow because they are so braided it barely resembles its original look.
It is important because it is a cumulation of actions taken by many that is needed to keep our planet in great shape.
The Seven Principles Of Leave No Trace
1) Plan Ahead And Prepare
Good trip planning usually results in a good trip. Unprepared people are more likely to have a miserable time, get wet, are hungry, the list could go on but we’ve all been there!
Trip planning is important as it means you are able to achieve your goal, complete the hike and means you are safer as you are ready for any outcome. I typically rely on a combination of blogs and maps to help plan a trip and know what I am getting myself in to.
2) Travel And Camp On Durable Surfaces
Durable surfaces include rocks and snow, both of these surfaces are highly resilient to being hiked or camped on. While softer surfaces such as soil or vegetation is far more likely to be damaged. When planning your route keep this in mind. Especially while travelling through the delicate alpine.
Tombstone Territorial Park has gone to great lengths to keep everyone hiking on trail or on durable surfaces and camping only in designated spots. Using raised tent pads and roped pathways around camp all help to avoid braiding and erosion of the alpine.
3) Dispose Of Waste Properly
Everyone has heard pack out what you pack in, this is important. Whenever I am planning a trip and packing snacks and food, I always look for things which have minimal messy waste which I am happy to carry once I’ve consumed them. Do not leave fruit peels around, these also need to be packed out, they can be a bear attractant.
Human waste can also be an issue, make sure if you have to go, you dig a hole at least 200 feet away from any water sources, the hole should be six to eight inches deep and four to six inches wide. Once you are done, bury and cover the hole. Pack out your toilet paper, nobody wants to see it.
4) Leave What You Find
Leave no trace also involves not removing objects from their home, don’t take rocks or fossils, and don’t pick flowers. Leave everything where it belongs. Principle number four of leave no trace also means not changing the environment, not digging down into the ground to make your tent more secure or building structures where there were none.
5) Minimize Campfire Impacts
You can’t always have a fire due to park rules or fire bans, therefore never rely on this as your sole method of cooking. If you can and do have a fire, keep it within a designated ring or rock circle. Where possible, build your fire where another has been previously.
When leaving, make sure the fire is completely extinguished, soak and stir at least twice! To many wildfires are started by human error, make absolutely sure your fire is out before leaving it.
6) Respect Wildlife
We are exploring in the home of wildlife, it is important to give them space if you encounter them whilst out. Make noise on the trail and always carry bear spray to help avoid negative human and wildlife interactions.
Once at camp, keep a bare campsite, all items with a fragrance, not just food, should be securely stored in a vehicle, bear proof food locker or a approved bear canister or ursack. This keeps both you and the bears safe. Along with other wildlife.
Report any sightings to the local report line, whether that be Parks Canada or a provincial park. This allows them to manage any future wildlife and human occurrences in the area.
7) Be considerate Of Others
If you are out on the trails, always be mindful of how your behaviour may impact others who are using the same area. Consider using the trails at quieter times, mid week for instance.
Trail etiquette suggests anyone hiking downhill should yield to people hiking uphill. All hikers should yield to horses and bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians. That being said, check the trails before you go out, many are designated for one use or another, especially in provincial and national parks.