Leave No Trace

Each of us plays a vital role in protecting our national parks and trails.

The National Park Service supports the Leave No Trace principles. Leave No Trace, or LNT, builds awareness, appreciation, and respect for our natural and cultural resources.

Leave No Trace principles are:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
  • Know Your route.
  • Carry proper equipment and clothing.
  • Research and obtain all necessary permits.
  • Know your abilities and those of your group.
  • Allow adequate time to find a legal and designated campsite.
• Camp on Durable Surfaces
  • Use existing clearings that won't be damaged by your stay.
  • Avoid long stays at one site; avoid trampling plants.
  • Keep groups small.
• Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Carry out all waste.
  • Do all washing as far from the river as possible.
  • Scatter strained dishwater away from camp.
  • Clean fish away from camp.
  • Store rations securely.
  • Use biodegradable soaps and minimize use.
  • Carefully plan meals to minimize waste.
• Leave What You Find
  • Leave rocks, plants, trees, and artifacts as you found them.
  • Minimize campsite alterations.
• Minimize Use and Impact of Fires
  • Use existing fire rings or use a camp stove.
  • Use only downed, dead wood.
  • Leave limbs on standing trees (dead or alive).
  • Make positively sure that your fire has been extinguished before leaving. Learn how to properly put out a campfire.
• Respect Wildlife
  • Enjoy all wildlife from a distance and do not disturb.
  • Keep well away from nests and burrows.
  • Never feed animals or leave food scraps where they might be eaten by wildlife.
  • Store food securely.
• Be Considerate of Others
  • Respect the privacy of others.
  • Maximize the sense of solitude (minimize noise and visibility).
  • Be courteous to other river users.
  • Respect private property.

 

For more information on Leave No Trace, visit www.LNT.org.
Also see: COVID-19 and Leave No Trace.