Leave No Trace
With a seven hundred and fifty percent increase in traffic heading into the backcountry over the past thirty years, the ofttimes heard phrase “loving nature to death”, may become more accurate than we might prefer, unless more outdoor enthusiasts can minimize their impacts in the wilderness.
But where to start? How does a hiker, biker or paddler come to recognize their demand and impact on the environment? Vehicular traffic saw a dramatic increase in the 1950’s, thanks in part to the Eisenhower interstate system, thus making travel easier, providing more direct routes from cities to popular destinations and thenceforth remote wilderness areas. As tourism to National Parks also increased, focus began shifting from strict rules and regulations to one of more education based, teaching visitors the impacts of overpopulation in high traffic areas as well as the risk of ecological damage in these areas.
Recognizing the issue and need for educating staff to spread the message of protecting the outdoors for future generations, the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service joined forces to inform visitors on Leave No Trace Land Ethics. Later, in 1990, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) joined the educational fight to help advocate for minimal impact backwoods travel and camping.
By the mid-nineties, Leave No Trace, Inc. had been established, whose mission was jointly shared by four federal land management agencies (USFS, BLM, NPS, USF&W), manufacturers and outdoor retailers, educator groups and countless individuals had all committed to protecting and preserving wildlands and natural areas for future enjoyment.
Seven core principals were developed under the Leave No Trace umbrella, whose purpose was to reduce damage caused by outdoor (primarily non-motorized) activities, such as: eroded soil, trampled vegetation, displaced wildlife, or polluted waters, to name but a few. The goal of Leave No Trace is to develop practices, respect for nature and an innate sense of outdoor ethics which can be applied to remote wilderness, city parks or even in one’s own backyard.
- Plan Ahead & Prepare -
The first of the seven principals help construct a solid base in which to assure the subsequent six are well thought out and fruitfully executed. Sufficient planning and preparation for an adventure in the wilderness starts long before the actual departure. Packing the 10-essentials, as well as other necessary gear and survival tools to help ensure a smooth excursion in the backcountry. Food should also be repacked into lighter (collapsible is great) containers to not have to pack out unnecessary trash such as heavy jars or cans.
10-Essentials recommended for safe hiking or travel in the backcountry should include (but not limited to):
Navigation (map + compass/GPS in airplane-mode)
Headlamp (back up is great, with extra batteries or charging source)
Sun Protection (sunscreen/sunglasses/sun-blocking clothing)
First Aid (+foot care/insect repellant/bug net)
Knife (sharp, be familiar with it)
Fire (waterproof matches/lighter in a bag/stove/tinder)
Shelter (emergency bivy/tent)
Extra Food (energy bars/nuts/high calorie-lightweight)
Extra Water (filter/sterilization)
Clothes (warm/dry clothes wrapped in plastic bag)
Multiple sources should be checked regarding weather forecasting, avalanche forecast (if applicable), cloud ceiling, as well as road conditions for accessing trailheads (especially in winter/spring months), trail conditions and recent reports if available from others who had visited your destination - YouTube has become a great source to visually check conditions and get beta (information) regarding more popular wilderness/trail reports (snow conditions) and videos.
Use multiple websites as well as blogs from previous adventurers to find out what hiking/climbing/usage permits are required; many National Parks and wilderness areas require fees be paid well in advance; many popular destinations even have a lottery system in place to select who is granted permission to visit higher-traffic areas. Check applicable agencies and become familiar with rules, regulations or guidelines which may be in place before attempting to visit areas as to not have sudden surprises upon arrival - or worse, accrue tickets and fines for simply not being aware of rules and regulations which may be in place.
It would be beneficial and advisable to consult land management agencies, trail maintenance and outing clubs, local visitor centers/Ranger stations, perhaps even sporting goods stores, bookstores, private landowners by email or phone, libraries, and internet pages to gather information. A few valuable northeast resources might also include:
Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC, local chapters GA->ME)
Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK, NY)
Catskill Mountain Club (CMC, NY)
Green Mountain Club (GMC, VT)
Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC, ME)
Wilderness First Aid and the art of self-sufficiency in the backcountry is a must, regardless of group size. Become familiar with how to use your First Aid kit and the ability to tailor or improvise various tools could save a life if used correctly or innovatively. Take responsibility, know the area and potential hazards ahead of arriving at the location to help minimize the risk of injury in the backcountry - assume you will have no cell phone service and rescue may not always be an option. Helicopters take a long while to arrive, if they can arrive at all - due to weather, location, or a plethora of other variables. Rescue by foot can take many hours if not days to arrive in many remote backcountry locations - if they can get to you at all.
Pack a map and compass and know how to use your compass; find out whether you need to account for (or how much) magnetic declination in your area before reading topographic maps. Study localized land features on your topographical map that may be encountered and hone the skill of “reading the landscape” - stay found before becoming lost is even an option.
Making lists or Excel spreadsheets can help tremendously in your Planning and Preparation and often be the difference between packing all that is needed for a safe and enjoyable trek and scrambling to survive the elements. Scheduling trips and expeditions to avoid times of high use is also advisable and sure to create a better experience for all in the backcountry.
“Good preparation means you don’t have to abandon Leave No Trace technique for the sake of safety.”
- Travel + Camp on Durable Surfaces -
Recreating on durable surfaces should seem obvious, but there is no doubt a camper might want to detrimentally pitch their tent on a soft bed of lush ferns. While this may be acceptable in a one-time survival situation, with the increasing number of recreationists in the backwoods these days, this practice is simply not feasible any longer - trampling living grasses and plants even once causes irreparable damage to vegetation and will eventually lead to soil erosion, which has become the case with many popular trails in the White Mountain National Forest.
One way to protect a fragile environment and ecosystem is to travel and camp on surfaces in which the user will leave minimal traces of their passing - rocks, ledges, sand, gravel, leaf litter or even snow are but just a few durable surfaces which could be utilized - dry grass is considered a “durable surface”, but should be used as a last resort, if others are available.
While hiking or traversing point to point, be sure to stay on established trails and park at developed trailheads, when available. If you find yourself in a situation where bushwhacking (off-trail travel) is the only option, spread out as to not follow one another in a line - this will help distribute the impact of foot traffic and avoid compressing soil to the point water cannot permeate; once soil becomes compacted, roots are cut off from a vital food supply and will eventually die, therefore no longer holding the soil in place and will be washed away in a heavy rainfall or spring thaw.
If camping, utilize a developed site first (if available), which already has a concentrated visual impact from previous campers. Use an elevated tent platform if one is available to avoid crushing fragile vegetation - if this is absolutely unavoidable, be sure to take a moment to fluff the matted grasses and plants back up to disguise the site and make it appear your equipment had never been there. An elevated tent platform or camping on a slight hill or rise will help to shed water away from the base of the tent, should it start to rain.
Be sure to disperse activities if camping in pristine backwoods, the campfire and kitchen will likely receive the highest level of traffic, so establish those sites on durable surfaces when possible. When in a remote location and utilizing a central restroom or kitchen area, vary paths to and from these areas of high use to avoid repeatedly trampling vegetation. If at an established campsite, be sure to use the designated vault/pit toilet and permanent fire pit to avoid creating unnecessary and unsightly extras.
When setting up a backwoods camping area, it is imperative to protect water quality for not just yourself but the next travelers who use the wilderness - be sure to select and set up camp at least 200-feet (~70 adult steps) away from any water source or established trail as to not disturb hikers traveling through - they should not even know your campsite exists, if set-up appropriately.
When it is time to move on from any backcountry campsite, the last step should always be to take a final glance at the used area and fluff up any matted down vegetation, replace any logs or rocks which may have been moved aside while constructing the camp area. Disguise the location and leave it just as you found it, with no evidence of campfire, no residual scent from cooking or washing, neither trash nor food scraps should be left behind - filter and pack out food scraps from dishwashing water. Ideally, there should be zero visual impact remaining for the next visitor to find.
- Dispose of Waste Properly -
Most have been exposed to the phrase “Pack It In-Pack It Out”, by now. This saying can be found posted on trailhead signs as well as in remote camping areas, encouraging wilderness users to never leave anything behind, carry out all trash and food particles - even now many places require the use of bags to carry out human waste as well, depending on how fragile the environment is in a given area.
A good steward of the wilderness (backcountry OR frontcountry) will pack out litter left behind by others, we should assume it unknowingly fell from a pocket while pulling something out and simply stow wrappers and small pieces of trash and litter away in our own trash bags as to not be found by others - hikers are generally more likely to litter if there is already litter in an area.
It should never be assumed that disposing of compostable food scraps is acceptable in any outdoor situation - orange peels are unsightly, bacon grease attracts unwanted visitors and habituates wildlife to human food, shells and various other leftovers should never be left behind as they will take years to fully decompose in the backcountry, and may not break down at all in harsh alpine conditions.
Burning food scraps should never be practiced at a camp site, as it is highly unlikely that the scraps will burn completely. It is safe to assume any buried scraps will inadvertently be dug up - anything left behind will certainly attract hungry wildlife. The best practice is to simply carry extra trash bags to ensure waste and scraps can be sufficiently and sanitarily be carried out and properly disposed of.
Be sure to research local policies beforehand, but if the wilderness agencies deem it admissible, digging a “cat hole” at least 6 to 8-inches deep with a small trowel has become an acceptable way of disposing of human waste. Food scraps nor dish/wash water should be disposed of in a cat hole. When choosing a site for a cat hole, ensure it is at least 200-feet away from any water source or nearby trail.
The best practice (as it takes a terrifically long while to decompose) is to pack out both toilet paper and feminine hygiene products in plastic bags. Most hikers have walked through the backwoods and found “Cottonelle flowers” bursting from the mountainside, usually found behind rocks where hikers in a pinch create a crude restroom and inadequately bury their waste, resulting in the deposited toilet paper rising through the soil surface. This is not only unsightly and disgusting but unsanitary to both humans and wildlife.
Prior to disposing of any dishwashing water, it should be put through a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining food particles, these should be appropriately packed out. Soap and lotion use should be kept to a minimum while in the backcountry as these can both affect water quality - if dirty water (ie: bathing or dish water) is dumped, it should be at least 200-feet from any water source as to allow the water to filter through soil.
- Leave What You Find -
While nature and wildlife should be enjoyed and observed, they should always be left as it was found so the next person can enjoy it just the same. With cameras in nearly every pocket these days, there is no reason to unnecessarily pick flowers just for observation’s sake. Photographs, field sketches and memories are a great way to preserve nature.
If harvesting plants, herbs or flowers is to be done, it should be in a thoroughly sustainable method - take only a few and leave many. Likely, native plants are needed by local wildlife for survival; over-harvesting of vegetation can be detrimental to the ecosystem.
One touchy subject is that of rock cairns. These carefully stacked piles of rocks denote trails and special features of the backcountry. Unless certified and approved by land management agencies, cairns should never be touched - added to or deconstructed (unless a clearly unofficial cairn is obviously leading the wrong direction). These cairns are placed for a reason - usually to help aid in navigation in poor weather, especially in the alpine zone when painted blazes on bedrock are inadequate or covered by snow.
All artifacts - if not obvious litter - should be left as is. In most National Parks and Forests it is illegal to tamper with archeological sites or artifacts. Anything 50+ years old is considered an artifact and is covered under the National Historic Preservation Act, making its disturbance or removal a crime. In the White Mountain National Forest, most of what can be found in the woods or along trails are artifacts from logging camps: stoves, mattress springs, jugs and canisters are readily found around the wilderness and should always be left as is, for the next adventurer to enjoy.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts -
While it is highly convenient to simply carry a backpacking stove to cook or heat water with, there is something to be said about a crackling fire at the campsite. In nearly all cases, campfires are completely unnecessary for cooking, a waste of fuel and harmful to the environment when burnt rocks and logs are left behind. Unattended fires are one of the largest causes of wildfires and should always be put out with copious amounts of water or be cold to the touch prior to leaving.
If available, established campfire rings should always be used as a first choice, with ash removed after using to promote the next camper to use the established fire ring as well. If the fireplace comes with a grate for cooking upon, it should be cleaned of any debris, before departing the camping area.
Neither food scraps nor trash of any kind (even toilet paper) should be burned in a campfire, it likely will not burn completely. Do not forget to research campfire regulations before departing into the wilderness, in many places of the White Mountains, open fires are not permitted.
To collect appropriate firewood for a Leave No Trace fire, keep the 5 D’s in mind:
Down - branches and wood which have already fallen from a tree
Dead - wood should easily snap when broken
Dry - green wood does not burn sufficiently
Dinky - no larger than wrist diameter
Distant - gather wood away from camp as to not deplete supply
When thinking about setting up a Leave No Trace fire, keep the campfire setting in mind; if in an area with abundant sand and gravel (no organic content), a mound fire might be the best option. To construct a well-built mound fire, first place a fire blanket or tarp down in an area which is devoid of combustible debris. Atop the fire blanket construct a pedestal (mound) 6 to 8-inches deep and 18 to 24-inches in diameter. A thick mound of sand or gravel helps to insulate the ground from the heat of the fire; sand or gravel can be gathered and brought to the campfire site, but should be returned to the original location when completely cool.
Another method is the pan fire. This utilizes a non-combustible (usually metal) pan in which to contain the fire and embers. When setting up a pan fire, choose a durable surface which is devoid of vegetation or combustible materials. Place the fire away from rocks which may be scorched by the heat and smoke. The pan should be placed level atop 3 to 4 rocks, elevating the pan off the ground so as to not damage or scorch the earth beneath the pan. When complete and the ashes are cool, water can be used to dilute the ashes if desired, scatter the fully burnt ashes - or simply bury the ash so as to not leave obvious signs of previous campers in the area.
Whichever style of campfire is chosen, smaller diameter pieces of wood should be selected for the fire to ensure total combustion so as to not leave a disagreeable sight of half-burnt pieces of wood behind. Larger pieces of downed wood are oftentimes shelter for wildlife and provide essential nutrients back to the ecosystem. The wood also becomes home to many mushrooms and germinating plants as they become established.
Lastly, before departing camp, if a fire ring is constructed, it should be fully deconstructed, with rocks replaced to their original location, thus disguising the area completely.
- Respect Wildlife -
While most outdoor enthusiasts venture out into the backcountry with the hope of sighting wildlife, it should be done safely to protect both the wildlife and the human. Wildlife should be enjoyed from a distance to avoid startling, if this happens, the wildlife may abandon these places as they associate that area to unfavorable human interactions. If the animals abandon a given area of wilderness, they may inadvertently abandon their young or depart from a vital habitat and leave food sources.
If possible, the hiker should avoid animals by staying clear out of their way if they are on the move. Travel quietly while moving through the backcountry as to not startle - an exception might be, of course, while traveling through bear territory, to alert them to one’s presence and to not startle them. One way to do this in bear territory is to talk amongst the group, if traveling alone it is common to carry a bear bell - while this should never be assumed to repel a bear, it is simply a method of alerting them to your presence. Bear bells are a great source of controversy amongst the hiking community as they are also seen as a form of noise pollution.
If camping, be sure to choose a site 200-feet away from water, not only for sanitary and water quality reasons, but this distance also allows native wildlife to retain access to water. If possible, avoid sensitive times and habitats altogether. Use a method to store food, such as: a bear bag hung 12+ feet off the ground and 6+ feet away from a tree trunk; a bear canister; or an electric fence, this is convenient (very effective) for larger groups who may need to access food/supplies more often. Remember the saying: “A fed bear is a dead bear.”; once habituated to human food, wildlife will likely keep returning, looking for more easy meals.
Any pets in the wilderness should always remain under control and within sight as to not track and pester the native wildlife. Often, National Parks and Forests may implement rules and regulations around pets to protect the native plants and animals. Similar to carrying firewood from other locations which may be infected with invasive species (ie: emerald ash borer), pets may harbor diseases which could in turn wipe out wildlife. Care should be taken also to keep pets nearby so they do not become injured in the backcountry; a pet should never become bothersome to visitors or wildlife. Be sure to pack out any pet waste, otherwise it becomes an unsightly disturbance to others as well as a sanitary hazard.
- Be Considerate of Others -
As it should be no surprise, this final principle was recently changed from: “be considerate of other visitors”, as to now include locals and residents who may call these destinations and wilderness areas “home”. The wilderness, forests, lakes, rivers, and all outdoors are protected for all to enjoy; we must be good stewards and show the land and its users all equal amounts of care and respect.
With an open mind and generous hearts, we can all develop a sense of good “outdoor etiquette”, ensuring a pleasurable experience for all who wish to venture out of doors. With proper planning and preparation, we should know busy times for areas we want to visit, expect busy peaks and destinations.
While on trail, remember: horses always have the right of way. As to not spook the animal and possibly cause injury to the rider, move to the side or off the trail, if possible, to allow a horse or pack animal to pass. Yield to others, when possible, move to the side and let smaller groups pass - there is much controversy about whether uphill traffic should yield to descending, or vice versa; be kind and let others pass if in a safe place to pause without trampling fragile vegetation.
Let nature’s sound prevail - keep noise levels to a minimum as to not disturb other guests or startle wildlife; barking dogs should be kept under control at all times. Avoid bright lights (unless headlamp beam), obnoxious sounds, radios and intrusive devices, while in the backcountry - wear headphones if music or podcasts are deemed necessary. However, it is always safer to simply go without distractions and just listen to one’s surroundings.
By making educated decisions and choices in the backcountry, we can all work toward enhancing each other’s recreational experience and create positive, lasting memories.
Always remember to: “Leave it better than you found it.”
For more information check out:
· Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
· Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK)
· Catskill Mountain Club (CMC)
· Green Mountain Club (GMC)
· Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC)
· US Forest Service (USFS)
· Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
· US National Parks Service (NPS)
· US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
· National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
· Leave No Trace (LNT)
For more information on how your school, camp, family or just yourself can attend a Leave No Trace Outdoor Awareness Workshop, shoot an email to - ehamilton9481@gmail.com - a perfect way for hikers, climbers, trail runners, mountain bikers, horseback riders, skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, paddlers - anyone to learn techniques to leave minimal impact on the environment and develop lasting wildland ethics
Happy Climbing!
- Erik
