1.  Plan Ahead and Prepare

a.  Obtain information about the geography and weather of the region you will be visiting

 and prepare accordingly

b.  Find out the locations of campsites where you will be staying and plan enough time to get there

c.  Appropriate campfires and minimal trash because of careful meal planning and food 

repackaging and proper equipment

d.  Make sure the abilities of the participants match the outing

2.  Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

a. In high-use areas campers should:

1.  concentrate your activities where vegetation is absent

2. use existing trails and campsites

3. keep campsites small and in close proximity to one another

b. In more remote areas campers should:

1. spread activities out

2. when hiking don’t travel in a straight line, spread out to avoid creating trails that cause erosion

3. when camping disperse tents and cooking activities

4. avoid areas where signs of impact is beginning to show

5. Choose the most durable surfaces available : rock, gravel, sand, compacted soil, dry grasses, or snow

3.  Dispose of Wastes Properly

a. Wastewater

1. After straining food particles, properly dispose of dishwater 200 feet (about 80 to 100 strides for youth) away from springs, streams, and lakes.

2. Use Biodegradable soap

b. Human Waste

1. Proper disposal of human waste helps to prevent the spread of disease

2. Dig a hole, 6 to 8 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water source is usually the best way to dispose of it.

4. Leave What you Find

a. Minimize site alterations

1. Don’t dig trenches or build lean-tos

2. Never hack at trees with saws or hatchets

3. Don’t tie Horses to trees for extended periods of time, it damages the bark and the roots

4. Never hammer nails into trees

5. Replace any materials you cleared away to make your site

6. Dismantle any user-built facilities such as multiple fire rings

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

a. When possible use a camp stove to avoid creating the need for a fire

b. If you do build a fire use an existing fire ring

1. Choose not to have a fire in areas where wood is scarce

2. Use wood that is dead and down

3. If possible burn the wood till ashes then when it is totally out, scatter ashes in surrounding areas

6. Respect Wildlife

a. Quick Movements and Loud Noises can cause stress for animals

1. Observe Wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing them

2. Give animals a wide birth, especially during breeding, nesting, and birthing seasons

3. Store Food securely to avoid giving animals bad habits

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

a. Thoughtful campers respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience

1. Travel in small groups ( large groups should split into group of 4-6)

2. Let Nature’s sounds prevail and keep your own down

3. Select campsites away from others

4. Respect private property

5. Try to match the color of your clothing with your environment

Key Ideas

ü       Remember You’re A Visitor

ü       Plan ahead to avoid unexpected situations.

ü       Concentrate activity in high-use areas, and Spread out in low-use areas.

ü       Pack it in, Pack it out.

ü       Good Campsites are found not made.

ü       True Leave No Trace Campfires are small, if you have them at all.

ü       You are too close if an animal alters its normal activities.

ü       Respect Others