Leave No Trace
The SF2T is facing a potentially serious overuse situation this year. We could go two ways: We could put a lot of wear and tear on the land and have a diminished experience for everyone, or we can build a culture that respects and cares for the spaces we pass through.
Fortunately, we have a proven, scientifically-backed way to reduce our impact. The seven Leave No Trace principles are simple and effective. This is a distilled version of them. Learn more at LNT.org, or earn our respect, gratitude, and admiration by taking the free Leave No Trace 101 course. It takes just 45 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a swanky, official certificate when you’re done. Waaaay better use of 45 minutes than just scrolling Instagram or watching more TV. Just sayin’.
The 7 Leave No Trace Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.
- Learn about where you’re going.
- Be prepared for any conditions you might encounter.
- Visit in small groups and at times of lower usage.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
- Camp at least 200 ft from water.
- Walk in the center of paths, even if they’re muddy.
- Stay on existing trails and use existing campsites.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly.
- Pack it in; pack it out.
- Dig a cathole.
- Pack out or bury toilet paper.
- Pick up all trash.
4. Leave What You Find.
- Take photos, do a drawing, but leave it so someone else can discover it.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts.
- Consider not having a campfire.
- Pour two liters of water on a campfire, then stir the ashes.
- Keep fires small. Use wood you can break with your hands.
6. Respect Wildlife.
- Stay far enough away from wildlife that they look about the same size as your thumb.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Control your dog at all times.
7. Be Considerate of Others.
- Yield to others, especially if they are climbing up a trail.
- Be quiet. Sound carries.
- Be friendly and courteous.
- Bikes yield to hikers and horses. Hikers yield to horses.
