If you’re headed to the Scottish Highlands, the Pacific Northwest, or the stunning vistas of the Alps or the Pyrenees, you will likely hear the phrase, ‘Leave No Trace’. So what is Leave No Trace and why is everyone suddenly so bothered about it?
I think the obsession can be hard to understand until you are a local in some of these world class hiking destinations. We get front row seats to the popularization of our favourite local trails and see the cycle of an increase in the traffic first of experienced hikers, to the less experienced, to the tour buses full of people who have no understanding of the ecological gems they are walking through, until eventually every Tom, Dick, and Harry can be found on the trail during peak months. Believe me when I say that the destruction of habitat around the trail, the increase in litter, and the increase in dangerous animal encounters hurts the local community, breeds resentment for tourists, and ultimately means that the tourists themselves cannot enjoy these places properly. We want you to come and explore our backyard! But not if you’re going to trash the place.
The seven principles of Leave No Trace guide visitors on how to respectfully interact with nature and wildlife, how to avoid habitat damage, and how to generally stay out of trouble. You may think that the Leave No Trace principles are overly restrictive, but especially if you are a guest in an area, I implore you to follow them to the letter so that even after trails become popular, we can still all enjoy them to their fullest!
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Planning ahead will make or break your trip. Are there garbage cans on your route? What about toilettes? Did you know that in Canada’s National Parks flying a drone can result in a fine of up to $25,000? Same goes for unauthorized camping. Don’t expect to get off easy just because you didn’t know, those rangers are ruthless! What about the weather? Are you carrying the proper gear?
Stay on the Trail
One of the most powerful things you can do for conservation in busy areas is to stick to the trails. People wandering off trails increase erosion, destroy delicate ecosystems, and cause trailbraiding, which is just kind of ugly. This is also true for camping, try to find campsites that are obviously pre-established and stay away from water sources.
Pack Out your Waste
The obvious part of this rule is simple, don’t litter! However it goes beyond that, are there outhouses on your route? If so, use them! If not you will need to travel with a trowel to bury excrement. If there are outhouses, don’t throw garbage in the toilettes! If you have your dong with you it’s important to clean up after them as well, and NEVER leave their waste on the side of the trail for you to pick up on your way back. You will forget, and it will join the graveyard of other dog shit in bags that the rest of us already have to deal with.
Leave It!
Don’t take things off the trail! This is especially important on busy trails where it may not feel like a big deal to take a single rock, but if everyone does it it can seriously impact the environment of the trail.
Campfire Safety
There is nothing better than a campfire on the beach or at the campfire, but there is also very little more dangerous! Always know and obey regulations and warnings around campfires where you’re hiking! Even if there are people breaking those regulations around you that does not give you license to do the same. If you do have a campfire, have water nearby and always make sure it is completely extinguished before you move on or sleep. Never use sand to extinguish a fire. Coals can continue to burn under the sand for hours burning feet or reigniting.
Respect Wildlife
This means all wildlife, not just bears and wolves. Never feed wild animals, always keep your distance, and know how to handle wildlife encounters in the area. In bear country, all food should be stashed three meters up a tree in a bear stash.
Respect Others
Try to avoid playing music out loud in places where others are hiking, clean up after yourselves, and give other campers their space. If you have a dog ensure he is under control and that others are comfortable before he approches them.
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