The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

The seven principles of Leave No Trace outline ethics to help outdoor enthusiasts, instructors, guides and centres alike to

The seven principles are

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies
Where possible check for local and seasonal restrictions on areas you plan to visit
If possible plan your trip to avoid times of high use
Where possible travel by public transport, share cars or use a mini bus and consider all parking issues
Visit in small groups. Ideally split into groups of 4-6
Repackage food to minimise waste
Plan your route. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use and reliance on markers, cairns and other unnecessary way-markers

Durable surfaces include established paths and campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 75 metres from lakes and rivers
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary
In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing paths and campsites
- Walk single file in the middle of the path, even when wet or muddy
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent
In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and paths
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning

Carry it in, carry it out. Inspect your campsite and rest spots for rubbish or spilled foods. Carry out all rubbish, leftover food, and litter, including ALL biodegradable foods
In most situations deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 15 to 20 cm deep at least 75 metres from water, camp, and paths. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Ideally carry out toilet paper and hygiene products and in some situations solid human waste eg when heavy snow cover
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 75 metres away from rivers or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater

Respect all property such as farming and forestry equipment, stores, barns, fences and stone walls. Leave gates as you find them
Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts
Conserve the present: leave rocks, flowers animals and all natural habitats as you find them
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species
Do not build structures, camp ‘furniture’, or dig trenches “good campsites are found not made”

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the outdoors. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground or hanging dead wood that can be broken by hand
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out fires completely, then scatter cool ashes

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviour, and exposes them to predators and other dangers
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and rubbish securely
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home
Observe all local bylaws and notices regarding seasonal restrictions
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter

Respect other visitors, residents and those working and protect the quality of their experience and livelihoods
Park with consideration: avoid blocking gateways and narrow lanes to farm or forestry vehicles, local residents or emergency services
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the path
Take breaks and camp away from paths and other visitors
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noise

To practice any of the Leave No Trace ethics is very simple:

Make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit.