Travel and Leave no trace

As a GS, we are told to Leave no trace. But what does this actually mean? Today in this post we will break down the leave no trace principles. These go hand in hand with travel, as when we go somewhere we have to be aware of our surroundings. Whether at a local campground, a state park, or a neighbors backyard we have to preserve the land.

The leave no trace principles:

• Plan ahead and Prepare

• Travel and Camp on Durable surfaces

• Dispose of waste properly

• leave what you find

• minimize campfire impacts

• Respect wildlife

• be considerate of other visitors

1) Plan ahead and Prepare:

Every campsite, location, destination... have there rules. In some places fires are not permitted because of the dry surroundings. Check the rules ahead of time and make sure every one in the group is aware of them.

2) Travel and Camp on Durable surfaces:

Campground have specific camping sites along trails. These spaces exist to limit the effect on the ground beneath us. This rule exists to help both the environment and our group stay safe. When we walk off the path, we risk damaging the vegetation below us. Likewise when we camp on spaces not meant for tents, we risk hurting the surface below us.

3) Dispose of Waste Properly:

Collect any trash, belongings, or other around your campsite. Pick up the trash even if it is not yours! Dispose of it in a trash can if there are some. Make sure the trash can is not overflowing as the trash could blow away. Bring trash bags in case there are no trash cans and bring the bag with you till you find a place to throw out the bag. Plus, trash bags have many other additional uses.

4) Leave what you find

As a general rule, take only photos. Leave flowers, rocks, plants, and more so the next guest can enjoy them too!

5) Minimize Campfire Impact:

Follow campfire procedures and safe practices. Only build the fires if they are permitted and only in designated areas (usually camp fire rings) Even in this case, check to make sure the ring is safe to build a fire (does not have low branches hanging over it that could catch fire...) Keep the fire as small as possible. Once the fire is done, let the coals burn down to ash. Make sure the fire is out completely. When the ashes are cool, scatter them.

6) Respect Wildlife:

Wildlife are not household pets. Therefore they should be absorbed from a distance. Although, seeing animals in there natural habitat is spectacular, it is for the safety of the animal and the human to stay distanced. In addition, to avoid nighttime visitors make sure the food is secure and that the scraps are picked up.

7) Be considerate of other visitors:

This includes being respectful of other people in your troop. Also make sure to listen to the Park Ranger or other officials. Be aware and considerate of those around. Think about the people that will visit after you and make sure to leave the place spotless so the next guests can have the same experience as you.

Again, these principles are practiced to preserve the land and its wildlife. When we are guests or traveling somewhere, it is good practice to use this list as reference.

As my GS leader says “Take only Photos and Leave only footprints.”