Vanishing Act…

Leave No Trace Camping Principles

April 2nd, 2023 Vol. I Issue 14

As I go camping and hiking throughout my province, I see many places where people dump trash. Trash also litters the entire length of most roads here. As a Scout Leader and outdoor enthusiast, it makes me sad to see people not caring for the environment. We need to take better care of the outdoors so it can be enjoyed by all.

Conserving our outdoor resources is critical when camping because it helps preserve the natural beauty of our public and private lands and ensures that future generations can enjoy the outdoors. Camping is a popular activity that allows people to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the natural world. However, camping can also have a significant impact on the environment if proper conservation practices are not followed.

When exploring the wilderness, it’s important to leave no trace behind. Leave No Trace (LNT) is an outdoor ethics program that aims to promote responsible outdoor recreation and minimize the impact of human activities on the natural environment. Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities, and practicing LNT principles is essential to protect our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

What is Leave No Trace?

I’m glad you asked!

Leave No Trace is a set of principles that are designed to guide outdoor enthusiasts in responsible and sustainable outdoor recreation. The LNT program was created in 1994 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (https://lnt.org/), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible outdoor recreation.

The LNT program consists of seven principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning and preparation can help minimize the impact of your camping trip. This includes checking weather forecasts, researching the area you’ll be visiting, and bringing appropriate gear and supplies.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Camping on designated campsites, established trails, and other durable surfaces helps protect fragile ecosystems from damage. Avoid camping on vegetation, fragile soils, or areas that show signs of erosion.
3. Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Use established restrooms and waste disposal facilities when available. In remote areas, bury human waste at least 200 feet away from water sources and campsites.
4. Leave what you find: Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed. Don’t remove plants, rocks, or artifacts, and avoid building structures or digging trenches.
5. Minimize campfire impact: Use established fire rings and fire pans, and only burn small sticks and twigs. Avoid burning trash or using fire to dispose of waste. When possible, use a camping stove instead of a fire for cooking.
6. Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing them. Store food and trash in bear-resistant containers, and don’t feed animals.
7. Be considerate of other visitors: Respect other campers’ privacy and avoid making loud noises or playing music late at night. Yield to other hikers and trail users, and follow established rules and regulations.

Let’s discuss these principles further…

Why is Leave No Trace important for camping?

Camping is a very popular outdoor activity in many countries, but it can have a significant impact on the environment if not done responsibly. The principles of Leave No Trace help minimize the impact of camping on natural ecosystems, preserve wildlife habitats, and preserve our pristine wilderness. By following LNT principles, you can help ensure that others can enjoy the same outdoor experiences that you do.

One of the most significant impacts of camping is the disturbance of natural vegetation and soils. Camping can cause soil compaction, erosion, and damage to fragile plant roots. By camping on established campsites and avoiding sensitive areas, you can help protect the natural ecosystems.

When hiking, use established trails. If a section of trail is wet or muddy don’t walk beyond the edges of the path. This destroys vegetation and eventually widens the trail.

Another impact of camping is the production of waste. Trash and food waste can attract wildlife and detract from the natural beauty of the area. Pack out all your waste and dispose of it properly, this will help keep the area clean and free of litter. Bury your food waste where you can, but I’ve been to some areas where this isn’t permitted and even human waste must be bagged and brought out.

Who doesn’t love a campfire? They are a traditional part of camping, but they can also have a significant impact on the environment. Campfires can cause soil compaction, damage vegetation, and create fire hazards. Use established fire rings and only burn what dead wood you find on the ground. Don’t cut any live trees or branches. Make sure your fire is dead out before leaving it behind. If no fire ring is available and you must make a ground fire, be sure to make it in an area free of vegetation, scatter the ashes when finished, and leave the area as you found it.

Wildlife is an essential part of the natural ecosystem, and camping can have a significant impact on their habitat. By storing food and trash in bear-resistant containers, you can help prevent animals from becoming habituated to human food and reduce the risk of wildlife-human conflicts. Just like social welfare programs, wildlife will become dependent on handouts and no longer capable of taking care of itself.

Finally, camping etiquette is essential for ensuring that everyone can enjoy the outdoors. Camping etiquette involves respecting the privacy and space of other campers, minimizing noise, and being mindful of others’ needs. By being considerate of other visitors and following established rules and regulations, campers can help create a positive camping experience for all.

Some Incentives

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one organization that emphasizes the importance of Leave No Trace principles for outdoor activities. The BSA Outdoor Ethics Award is a recognition program that encourages Scouts and Scouters to learn and practice the principles of Leave No Trace while camping and hiking.

To earn the BSA Outdoor Ethics Award, Scouts must complete the following requirements:

https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/outdoor-ethics/awards/scouts-bsa/

1. Recite from memory and explain the meaning of the Outdoor Code.
2. Watch the National Park Service Leave No Trace video.
3. Complete the Leave No Trace online course.
4. Complete the Tread Lightly! online course.
5. Participate in an outdoor ethics course, workshop, or training activity facilitated by a person who has completed the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course or is a BSA outdoor ethics trainer or master.

The BSA Leave Outdoor Ethics Award is an excellent way to promote responsible outdoor recreation and educate young people about the importance of environmental stewardship. By completing the requirements of the award, Scouts learn valuable skills that they can apply to future camping and hiking trips…and receive a cool patch!!!

In addition to the BSA Outdoor Ethics Award, many other organizations offer Leave No Trace certification programs, including the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. These programs are designed to promote responsible outdoor recreation and provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to minimize their impact on the environment.

Wrapping it up

Leave No Trace principles are essential for responsible and sustainable outdoor recreation. As we’ve said, camping is a popular activity but can have a significant impact on the environment. By following LNT principles, we can minimize our impact and help protect the environment for the next generations to enjoy.

See you around the campfire!!!