Leave No Trace Principles and RVing
There’s something magical about the great outdoors, but it’s essential to remember that our presence can impact the environment more than we realize. The “Leave No Trace” principles guide us in minimizing this impact, ensuring nature’s beauty endures for future generations.
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics merges cutting-edge earth sciences with the mission to educate everyone on responsible land stewardship. These principles, rooted in indigenous wisdom and formalized by agencies like the U.S. Forest Service in the late 1980s, now underpin a global movement in outdoor ethics.
Plan Ahead and Prepare:
Planning reduces waste and prevents emergencies. Avoid crowded times, travel in small groups, and carry maps to avoid disturbing natural markers. Repackage food to minimize trash and always pack out what you pack in.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:
Stick to established campsites and trails. Camp at least 200 feet from water bodies to protect their ecosystems. In unmaintained areas, avoid creating new campsites or trails to minimize your impact.
Dispose of Waste Properly:
Inspect your campsite for litter before leaving. If no restrooms are available, dig a cathole for human waste, ensuring it’s at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites. Pack out all hygiene products.
Leave What You Find:
Admire natural and historical artifacts without taking them. Resist the urge to build structures or furniture from natural materials.
Minimize Campfire Impacts:
Use a stove for cooking and a lantern for light when possible. If fires are permitted, use established fire rings, keep them small, and source firewood locally or use dead wood found on the ground. Ensure fires burn to ash and scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife:
Keep a safe distance from all animals and never feed them. Secure your food and trash to prevent animals from accessing them. Control pets to avoid disturbances.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors:
Maintain a quiet environment to let nature’s sounds prevail. Yield to other trail users, stepping aside to let them pass. Avoid blocking trails during breaks.
In Conclusion, Leave No Trace is more than rules—it’s a mindset that values and protects the outdoor world. These principles apply everywhere, from backcountry treks to local parks and even our backyards. Share these values with others to help foster a culture of respect for nature.
By embracing Leave No Trace, we ensure that the stunning landscapes we cherish remain unspoiled for all who follow.