The document outlines the 7 principles of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, which are: plan ahead and prepare; travel and camp on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impacts; respect wildlife; and be considerate of other visitors. The principles provide guidelines for minimizing impacts to the environment and respecting other visitors through proper trip planning, low-impact camping and travel techniques, waste disposal, avoiding damage to natural and cultural resources, minimizing campfire use, respecting wildlife, and being courteous to others.

1. Leave No Trace OutdoorLeave No Trace Outdoor
EthicsEthics
7 Principles7 Principles

2. Plan Ahead & PreparePlan Ahead & Prepare
 Know the regulations and special concerns for theKnow the regulations and special concerns for the
area you'll visit.area you'll visit.
 Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, andPrepare for extreme weather, hazards, and
emergencies.emergencies.
 Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
 Visit in small groups when possible. ConsiderVisit in small groups when possible. Consider
splitting larger groups into smaller groups.splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
 Repackage food to minimize waste.Repackage food to minimize waste.
 Use a map and compass to eliminate the use ofUse a map and compass to eliminate the use of
marking paint, rock cairns or flaggingmarking paint, rock cairns or flagging

3. Travel and Camp on DurableTravel and Camp on Durable
SurfacesSurfaces
 Durable surfaces include established trails andDurable surfaces include established trails and
campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
 Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200
feet from lakes and streams.feet from lakes and streams.
 Good campsites are found, not made. AlteringGood campsites are found, not made. Altering
a site is not necessary.a site is not necessary.

4. Dispose of Waste ProperlyDispose of Waste Properly
 Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and restPack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest
areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash,areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash,
leftover food, and litter.leftover food, and litter.
 Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8
inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, andinches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and
trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
 Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
 To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feetTo wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet
away from streams or lakes and use small amounts ofaway from streams or lakes and use small amounts of
biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwaterbiodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater

5. Leave What You FindLeave What You Find
 Preserve the past; examine but do not touch,Preserve the past; examine but do not touch,
cultural or historic structures and artifactscultural or historic structures and artifacts
 Leave rocks, plants and other natural objectsLeave rocks, plants and other natural objects
as you find them.as you find them.
 Avoid introducing or transporting non-nativeAvoid introducing or transporting non-native
species.species.
 Do not build structures, furniture, or digDo not build structures, furniture, or dig
trenches.trenches.

6. Minimize Campfire ImpactsMinimize Campfire Impacts
 Campfires can cause a lasting impact on theCampfires can cause a lasting impact on the
backcountrybackcountry
 Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy aUse a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a
candle lantern for light.candle lantern for light.
 Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings,Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings,
fire pans, or mound fires.fire pans, or mound fires.
 Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground thatKeep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that
can be broken by hand.can be broken by hand.
 Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfiresBurn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires
completely, then scatter cool ashes.completely, then scatter cool ashes.

7. Respect WildlifeRespect Wildlife
 Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not approach orObserve wildlife from a distance. Do not approach or
disturb themdisturb them
 Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages theirNever feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their
health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them tohealth, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to
predators and other dangers.predators and other dangers.
 Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations andProtect wildlife and your food by storing rations and
trash securely.trash securely.
 Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
 Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating,Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating,
nesting, raising young, or winter.nesting, raising young, or winter.

8. Be Considerate of Other VisitorsBe Considerate of Other Visitors
 Respect other visitors and proyect the qualityRespect other visitors and proyect the quality
of their experienceof their experience
 Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
 Step to the downhill side of the trail whenStep to the downhill side of the trail when
encountering pack stock.encountering pack stock.
 Take breaks and camp away from trails andTake breaks and camp away from trails and
other visitors.other visitors.
 Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voicesLet nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices
and noisesand noises