Please follow these seven principles prescribed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations for the area you are visiting. Prepare for extreme weather and emergencies. Know where public access is allowed. Park in designated areas and avoid blocking roads or traffic.

Travel on Durable Surfaces

Access rivers and lakes only at durable sites such as non-vegetated beaches, sandbars or sites below the high water mark. Attempt to step on rocks and use existing trails at designated access areas.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack out all trash and litter, do not burn or bury it. If facilities are not available, human waste should be deposited in “catholes” dug six to eight inches deep at least 200 feet from the water.

Leave Whathat You Find
Preserve the past and respect private property. Do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave natural objects (rocks and plants) as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species by cleaning all watercraft, trailers and fishing waders away from waterways.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Use a gas or propane stove for cooking. Where fires are permitted, use established fire areas, keep fires small, and put out all fires completely by dousing with water and scattering the cold ashes.

Respect Wildlife
View wildlife from a safe distance and never feed. Do not pick or trample plants or flowers.

Be Considerate of Others
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Let nature’s sounds prevail — avoid loud voices and noise.

This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.