https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-pisgah-via-john-hicks-trailhead

Exploring the great outdoors offers endless opportunities for adventure and rejuvenation, but it’s crucial to minimize our impact on the environment. Leave No Trace principles provide a framework for enjoying nature responsibly, ensuring that our outdoor pursuits do not harm the ecosystems we cherish. In this clinic, we’ll delve into the seven Leave No Trace principles and explore practical tips for implementing them on your outdoor adventures.

Plan Ahead and Prepare:

• • Research regulations and guidelines for the area you’ll be visiting.
  • Prepare for unpredictable weather and environmental conditions.
  • Pack lightweight, reusable gear to minimize waste.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:

• • • Stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
    • Use durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or sand for camping whenever possible.
    • Avoid trampling vegetation and sensitive habitats.

Dispose of Waste Properly:

• • • • Pack out all trash, including food scraps, wrappers, and hygiene products.
      • Dispose of human waste properly by digging a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
      • Pack out used toilet paper and sanitary products.

Leave What You Find:

• • Resist the temptation to collect rocks, plants, or other natural objects.
  • Leave cultural or historical artifacts undisturbed for others to enjoy.
  • Take only photographs, leave only footprints.

Minimize Campfire Impacts:

• • Use existing fire rings where available.
  • Keep fires small and manageable, using only dead and downed wood.
  • Completely extinguish fires by dousing them with water and stirring ashes until cold.

Respect Wildlife:

• • Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding them.
  • Store food securely to prevent attracting animals to campsites.
  • Keep pets under control and on leashes in areas where they are allowed.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors:

• • Yield to other hikers and recreationalists on trails.
  • Keep noise levels to a minimum to preserve the tranquility of natural spaces.
  • Respect private property and adhere to posted regulations.

By adhering to the Leave No Trace principles, we can all do our part to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations to enjoy. Remember, our actions in the outdoors have a lasting impact, so let’s strive to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories from our outdoor adventures. Together, we can ensure that our beloved natural spaces remain pristine and unspoiled for years to come.