Sustainable Tourism Principles

I take these guidelines very seriously as I want to keep our ecological footprint to a minimum. The Leave No Trace guidelines are very crucial to keeping beautiful places clean and enjoyable for all. Let’s do our part and keep the outdoors thriving for generations to come!

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.

• Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.

• Repackage food to minimize waste.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.

• Protect riparian areas by camping at least 70 meters from lakes and streams.

• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

• Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.

• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.

• Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 15 to 20 centimeters deep at least 70 meters from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.

• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 70 meters away from streams or lakes and usesmall amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

4. Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.

• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.

• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.

• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes