Editing Leave No Trace (section)

== Principles ==

# '''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 [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
# '''Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces'''
#* Durable surfaces include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow.
#* Protect [[Riparian zone|riparian]] areas by camping at least {{cvt|61|m|ft}} from lakes and streams.
#* Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
#** ''In popular areas:''
#*** Concentrate 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.
# '''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 for defecation whenever possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in [[cathole]]s 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.
# '''Leave What You Find'''
#* Preserve the past: examine, photograph, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
#* Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
#* Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
#* Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
# '''Minimize Campfire Impacts'''
#* Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a [[Portable stove|lightweight stove]] for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
#* Where fires are permitted, use established [[fire ring]]s, [[fire pan]]s, or mound fires.
#* Keep fires small. Only use down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand.
#* Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
# '''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.
# '''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.

<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leave No Trace Seven Principles (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref>