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Leave No Trace / Stewardship and Access. Freedom of the Hills Chapters 7 & 8. 1. What is “Leave No Trace”?. Non-profit educational organization to promote consistent guidelines to minimize human impact on the wilderness 40 yr progression in thinking “Leave Only Footprints”
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Leave No Trace / Stewardship and Access Freedom of the Hills Chapters 7 & 8 1
What is “Leave No Trace”? • Non-profit educational organization to promote consistent guidelines to minimize human impact on the wilderness • 40 yr progression in thinking • “Leave Only Footprints” • “Pack it In/Pack it Out” • Evolved into “LEAVE NO TRACE” 2
Planning • Be Realistic and Responsible • Think Small • Consider Conditions • Eliminate Excess Packaging • Thoughtful Selection of Clothing and Gear 3
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces On Trail: • Always use trails where they exist • Hike single file – stay within established tread • Never cut switchbacks • Use resilient areas for rest breaks • Yield to other hikers • Special care at stream crossings • Pick up trash 4
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Off Trail: • Plan a low-impact route • Stay on durable surfaces or snow • Spread hiking party out • Exception: Established use trail • Use extra care in transition areas • Leave trail-less areas free of cairns or flagging 5
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Campsites: • 200 ft from water, trail, people • Previously used, hardened sites • On snow, rock or duff if no previous site • Avoid grouping tents together • Vary walkways, disperse toilet sites • Find a spot with a natural slope • Never level a site, dig trenches, or clear area • Use stoves, not campfires • Leave what you find at campsites • Break down snow structures 6
Dispose of Waste Properly • Harsh Environments mean waste breaks down slowly • Improper disposal unhealthy and unsightly Fundamentals • 200 ft from water, trail, camp • Urinate on bare ground/rock • Toilet Paper – Pack it OUT • Long climbing routes, use pee bottle • Solid Waste (your pet’s too) • Bury in cat hole (4-6 in deep) • Pack it out - WAG bag / Double plastic bag 7
Cleaning Up Washing Dishes: • 200 ft rule • Hot water for most • Soap (biodegradable) – Dispose of in cat hole/filter scraps and pack out Yourself: • 200 ft rule • Wet wipes • Wash off before swimming in water source – Remove sunscreen/insect repellant 8
Do Not Disturb Leave What You Find: • Historical / cultural items • Flora / Fauna • Look/draw/photograph vs picking/collecting Respect Wildlife: • Limit access to breeding areas • Don’t feed • Leash pets Be Considerate of Others • Enjoy the wilderness experience 9
Minimize Climbing Impacts • Avoid bright slings at rappel points/ pack out old slings • Adjust loose rocks - stabilize • Avoid new permanent anchors or rappels • Never chip holds or alter rock • No new bolts or pitons • Clear vegetation only for safety • Learn and Follow local practices/culture 10
Stewardship and Access Access May be Limited due to: • Environmental impacts • Cultural impacts - Religious or historical significance • Overuse • Fees and Regulation Following “Leave No Trace” principles provides good stewardship and in turn access to wilderness areas. 11