Leave No Trace

Upstate New York is blessed with rich biodiversity, pristine lakes, fragile alpine zones, and thriving natural ecosystems.

As you set off to explore the stunning landscapes of Upstate New York, please remember the Leave No Trace Principles.

You might've heard this term before, but if you haven't, no worries! I'm here to break it down for you.

What is Leave No Trace (LNT)?

Leave No Trace is a set of seven guidelines aimed at preserving the beautiful outdoors for ourselves and generations to come. It's all about being a considerate guest in Mother Nature's home.

Let's dive into each of them:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Before hitting the road, do a little homework. Research your destination, check the weather, pack the right gear, and know the rules and regulations. A well-prepared explorer reduces their impact on nature.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trails and designated campsites. By doing so, you're protecting the surrounding vegetation and wildlife habitats.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly: "Pack it in, pack it out" is our mantra. Basically, if you bring something with you, take it back home. This includes everything from food wrappers and toilet paper to apple cores.

4. Leave What You Find: Discovering a stunning rock or a beautiful wildflower is thrilling! But, let's take only photos and leave only footprints. This way, the next person can experience the same joy of discovery.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a camp stove for cooking and enjoy a lantern for light. If you must have a campfire, keep it small and only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Always extinguish fires completely!

6. Respect Wildlife: We're visiting their home, so let's watch from a distance. Never feed animals and store your food and trash securely.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: We're all here to enjoy the great outdoors. Respect other visitors by keeping noise levels down and giving people space on trails and campsites.

Why should we Leave No Trace?

Understanding and following these principles is super important. They help us enjoy our travels without harming the environment, and ensure the beautiful spots of Upstate New York stay beautiful for everyone.

Unfortunately, human activities can cause significant harm to natural areas. Litter, trampling of vegetation, disruptions to wildlife, and other negative impacts can all be minimized through following Leave No Trace principles.