Keep It Wild!
"Enjoy America's country and leave no trace." The motto of the Leave No Trace Organization.
To Receive a FREE pocket-sized weatherproof card printed with these policies, and other information on how to minimize human impact on wild areas, phone (800) 332-4100.
Plan ahead and Prepare
1. Learn about the regulations and issues that apply to the area you are visiting.
2. Avoid heavy use areas.
3. Obtain all maps and permits.
4. Bring extra garbage bags to pack out ANY refuse you come across.
Keep the wilderness wild
1. Avoid loud voices and noises.
2. Leave radios at home or bring headphones.
3. Control pets at all times, or leave them home with a sitter.
4. Treat natural heritage with respect. Leave plants, rocks, and artifacts were you find them.
Respect other users
1. Horseback riders have the priority over hikers.
2. Hikers and horseback riders have the priority over mountain bikers.
3. Mountain bikes are not permitted on most single-track trails.
Travel lightly
1. Visit the back-county in small groups.
2. Below the tree line, always stay on designated trails.
3. Do not cut across switch-backs.
4. When traveling cross-country where no trails are available, follow animal trails or spread out with your group so no new routes are created.
5. Avoid marking trails with rock cairns, tree scars or ribbons by reading your map and orienting yourself with landmarks and using a compass and altimeter.
Camp with care
1. Whenever possible, choose a preexisting, legal site. Restrict activities were vegetation is compact of absent.
2. Camp at least 75 steps (200 feet) from lakes, streams, and trails.
3. Preserve the feeling of solitude by selecting camps that are out of view when possible.
4. Do not construct and leave structures or furniture or dig trenches.
Campfires
1. If a fire ring is not available, use a lightweight stove for cooking.
2. Were fires are permitted, use existing fire rings, away from large rocks or overhanging branches.
3. Do not char rocks by building new rings.
4. When gathering wood for your fire, use only stick on the ground (dead) that are no larger than your wrist.
5. Put a fire DEAD OUT" and make sure it's cold before departing. Remember that forest fires can be started by a campfire that appears to be out. Hot embers can be down deep in the remaining wood and cause a fire. Remove all trash from fire ring.
Sanitation
1. When no facility is available deposit waste in "cat holes," (not dig large ditches) dug size to eight inches deep. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished.
2. Cat holes should be AT LEAST 75 paces (200 feet) away from any water source or camp.
3. Use toilet paper sparingly. When finished, carefully burn it in the cat hole, then bury it.
Chemical toilets are required at boat-in campsites. This is also a good idea for larger groups staying in one location were no restroom is available.
4. Washing (body or dishes) water should be carried away from the source and biodegradable soap should be used sparingly. Remove any food particles (if washing dishes) and scatter water over large area.
5. Pick up all trash even if very small and you didn't do it. Make a game of it. Never, ever litter! You will become the enemy of all others!
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