It is important to remember that the phrase "leave only footprints and take only memories" should be followed while going through or exploring natural environments. This simple action may contribute to protecting and maintaining naturally beautiful regions for many years. A significant improvement may often be achieved with only a few straightforward and ethical best practices. It is your job as a member of the hiking community to not only adhere to these best practices but also to set an example for others to follow.
WHAT Does It Mean To Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace is a set of guiding principles co-created by the National Outdoor Leadership School and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. These guiding principles have been developed to reduce the impact people have on hiking routes and the natural environments they go through. Responsible hiker Leave No Trace is a concept supported and embraced by the outdoor community as a whole and significant officials in the United States government, such as the National Parks Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
What Are The Leave-No-Trace Principles?
If you want to prevent disrupting the natural surroundings and having a detrimental influence on delicate ecosystems, ensure that you adhere to the real route and other well-defined trails when hiking. When you walk in a single file, you help prevent extending the route and trampling wildflowers, animal habitats, and many other components of the surrounding flora that are essential yet often overlooked. Under no circumstances should trails be cut, even if it seems that others have already done so and built new routes. Trails cut through are particularly detrimental to the trail network because they increase the water that runs off the route, leading to erosion and the loss of trails and habitat. Speak out if you observe someone cutting corners on the path!
Leave Animals And Plants Alone
The concept of "leave no trace" refers to leaving the hiking route and the surrounding environment in precisely the same condition in which they were found. Do not approach or disturb the wild animals. If they are aware of your presence, you have already come too near to them, and you should slowly and discreetly move away from where you are now. Never, ever make the mistake of trying to feed wild animals, regardless of how tame or nice the creatures may seem.
Come Prepared
When you start your journey, being prepared is one of the finest things you can do to ensure that you don't leave any traces behind. Check the forecast, plan your route, and let others know where you're going. All of these will assist in mitigating the potential disruption that you may create if you get disoriented or walk off the track.
Dispose Of All Waste And Trash
Be sure to bring it with you when you go out, especially if you bring it. Please ensure that garbage is disposed of appropriately, and do not leave anything behind at your campsite or along the route. If you bring your dog with you, you need to make sure to clean up after it as well. Always bring an extra trash bag to collect your garbage and any other rubbish you see along the route that other, less conscientious hikers may have abandoned.
Choose Your Camping Spot With Caution
In the same way, you should stay on well-trodden trails and only pitch a tent in established campsites when camping. Tent sites and other camping facilities should be well delineated so that local wildlife is not disturbed and the surrounding landscape is not worn away. If there are no toilet facilities available, you should be sure to perform your business at least a few hundred yards away from any freshwater sources that may be a component of the watershed or the drinking water of someone farther downstream.
Be Respectful To The Other Hikers On The Trail
On the route, courtesy toward one's fellow hikers is essential to ensuring that everyone has fun. If you need a break, do so on the side of the route so that other hikers can go by you. Also, try to keep the noise level minimal and let other groups trek before you. Your adherence to these principles is required if you and other people share the goal of experiencing wild areas in the unspoiled state in which they were originally found. Consider it similar to paying a toll that contributes to the maintenance of the natural environment for the benefit of everyone who wants to take pleasure in it.
