| The Bureau of Land Management works
to preserve and protect our natural and cultural public lands heritage for our benefit and
for the benefit of future generations. Visitors can participate as managers by doing their
part to preserve these resources.
Leave No Trace is a national program that asks all
users to pack out what they pack in, to leave places cleaner than found, and to leave
natural and cultural resources intact. This is how citizens can join together with public
land agencies in maintaining and protecting beautiful, fragile public lands - both arid
and forested.
LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES FOR
BACKCOUNTRY USE
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you will visit.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for tree scars, rock cairns, or ribbons.
- Repackage food into reusable containers.
- Prepare for all types of weather.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
On the trail
- Stay on designated trails. Walk in single file in the middle of the path. Do not cut
switchbacks.
- When traveling cross-country, choose the most durable surface available: rock, gravel,
dry grasses, or snow.
At camp
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site should not be necessary.
- Choose an established, legal campsite that will not be damaged by your stay.
- Restrict activities to the area where vegetation is compacted or absent.
- Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from
lakes and streams.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsites and rest areas for trash or spilled
foods. Pack out all trash: yours and others.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from
water, camp, and trails. Cover and naturalize/disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out all toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use
small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
4. Leave What You Find
- Preserve the past. Leave all cultural and historical artifacts in place.
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects where found.
- Do not build structures or furniture and do not dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts on the backcountry.
- Always carry a lightweight stove for cooking.
- Enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Do not
scar large rocks or overhangs.
- Keep fires small. Use sticks small enough to be broken with your hands.
- Do not snap branches off living, dead, or downed trees.
- Put out campfires completely.
6. Respect Wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed wild animals. Eating human food endangers wild animals and other visitors.
- Store food rations securely.
- Let natures sounds prevail. Keep loud noises to a minimum.
- Control pets at all times. Dispose of dog feces as with human feces.
- Leave young animals alone.
- Preserve wildlife habitat. Avoid any nesting, feeding or mating animals.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Expect others, respect others. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks on durable surfaces out of site of the trail.
- Choose equipment and clothing in subdued colors. Others will appreciate the feeling of
solitude.
- Travel in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6 people.
|
E-mail comments and questions to
wfoweb@nv.blm.gov