LNT: Leave No Trace Seven Principles

If you are not familiar with these 3 letters and the concept of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, you are definitely at the right place. Getting out and enjoying the outdoors in any recreational activity is not a complete experience unless you practice these guidelines. Some say you can even take these ideas and apply them to almost any part of you life! As you can see below, it is more than simply packing out your trash.

Leave No Trace Seven Principles

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

4. Leave What You Find

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

6. Respect Wildlife

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Each of the seven principles has a set of guidelines and examples of how it would look in practice. Heading over to the main website is the best way to learn about the principles and how the apply in different outdoor experiences, from backpacking to boating.

Following these principles helps us to lower our impact on the wilderness we love. 100% “compliance” is not always possible, but if everyone did their best to adhere to this goal, nature and others who enjoy the outdoors would surely benefit.

Now that you know, it is important that you join others in helping to spread the word and encourage those you know to adhere to these guidelines. As those who enjoy the outdoors, we have a responsibility to preserve it for others to enjoy, as well as the generations to come.

For more information, head over to the Leave No Trace website and find out what they are doing locally and globally to promote awareness. They even have an online course you can take to freshen up on the principles and be a better steward of the outdoors!

Online Awareness Course

And in case you aren’t sure what all that means, I guess you can watch a few folks sing about it!