Outdoor Ethics
When adventuring outdoors, no matter the journey you are embarking on, it is of the utmost importance to respect and honor the land you travel on. Always leave the land better than you found it. To do so, follow the seven principles of leaving no trace. The information below is from the National Parks Service.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before you visit an area, be sure to plan. This includes knowing the regulations and concerns of the area, any permits necessary, look at the weather and how it may change, and potentially schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Durable surfaces include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses or snow. Avoid camping within 200 feet of bodies of water. Tent with as few groups as possible in an effort to disturb less land while also minimizing the number of tent sites necessary.
Dispose of Waste Properly
What you pack in, you must pack out. Inspect your campsite, food preparation areas, and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Whenever possible, utilize toilet facilities. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. When washing yourself or dishes, wash away from bodies of water and do not dump dirty/used water into a water source.
Leave What You Find
Preserve the past and the natural world by examining, photographing, but not touching cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires may cause lasting impacts on the environment. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires, while keeping fires small. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them. If you find yourself near an animal, never feed the animal human food. This disrupts their natural behaviors. Store food properly at camp (critter hang or bear hang your food; bear cans work great, too). If you bring a dog or other domestic animal, control them at all times and clean up after them.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
You are not the only one traveling in an area. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience by being courteous and kind on trail. The uphill party has the right-of-way.