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   Principles of Leave No Trace                            Back to Canoeing Library

    

     From its inception, Outward Bound has led the way in educating people about low-impact backcountry travel and helping them appreciate the earth's limited natural resources.  many of the early guidelines for campers, hikers, and backpackers used and recommended by the US Forest Service and National Park Service originated in Outward Bound instructor manuals.

     Today, all Outward Bound students are trained in Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics, which were developed by the National Outdoor Leadership School in a coordinated effort between federal land agencies, wilderness educators, environ mental scientists, and outdoor retailers and equipment manufacturers.  Students are also introduced to the concept of environmental stewardship: an acceptance off personal responsibility for maintaining the health and beauty of the natural environment. 

     By living a simple, self-reliant, low-impact lifestyle in the wilderness, you have the opportunity to analyze firsthand the effect of human activities upon the environment and upon other users of the wilderness.  We hope that you are inspired to deepen your ties with nature and appreciate the value of preserving wilderness.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Know the area and what to expect
  • Select appropriate equipment
  • Repackage food

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

  • Hike on durable surfaces and spread out
  • Keep group size small
  • Select durable ground
  • Use trails where they exist
  • Avoid fragile vegetation
  • Avoid places where impact is just beginning
  • Choose a shelter site with a small slope

Dispose of waste properly

  • Minimize soap and food residues in waste water
  • Use soap sparingly when needed
  • Pack out trash
  • Dispose of human wasted in catholes or outhouses

Leave what you find

  • Minimize site alterations
  • Avoid damaging live trees and plants
  • Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts

Minimize campfire impacts

  • Be aware of fire regulations and weather conditions
  • Use only dead and downed wood if there is not a supply of driftwood
  • In high-use areas, use existing fire rings
  • In remote areas, use appropriate Leave No Trace fire techniques

Respect Wildlife

  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance
  • Never fee wildlife
  • Store food securely
  • Minimize noise
  • Avoid sensitive habitat

Be considerate of other visitors

  • Avoid conflicts
  • Minimize crowding
  • Manage your pet
  • Respect the privacy of other visitors
  • Let nature's sound prevail

 

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