Now The People Won't Know We Were Here.

If you're reading this blog, chances are pretty high that you like to enjoy the great outdoors. There's really no better feeling than to get outside and explore backwoods trails, camp in the wilderness and get back to nature. Many of us hike, camp, swim, cycle and basically live in the outdoors; for the most part we like to think we make minimal disturbance.
An organization called "Leave No Trace" has stepped up and created a program to make sure that we are really paying attention to our impact in the woods. We may think that we are being cautious, but there are a lot "insignificant" things we do that can be a way bigger deal in the long run. That's where Leave No Trace comes in. To "leave no trace" is to leave the trail, or forest exactly as we found it, or as close as we can get.

The group had created 7 principles, which we hope that you will take into account when you do your next hike through the Fundy footpath, or en route to the peaks of Katahdin.
1) Plan Ahead & Prepare
2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3) Dispose of Waste Properly
4) Minimize Campfire Impact
5) Respect Wildlife
6) Leave what you Find
7) Be considerate of other visitors


So yeah, it seems pretty straightforward; but you'd be amazed at how many people forget these reminders or just disregard them and think "oh, its not that important". This is a set of impact skills that are extremely useful in keeping our trail systems and our wildlife in pristine condition.
Every hiker should keep these skills in mind when venturing out. So in this post we'll quickly go through them so that the knowledge can be passed around so we keep our outdoor adventures as awesome as possible.

Lord Licorice wants you to keep the lollypop woods looking sweet.

Numero Uno: Plan Ahead and Prepare
First plan your hike out and assess the gear needed, weather, group size, terrain and other things that may affect your trip. By planning routes and checking weather you can keep the group safe, and travel the mapped routes, which leads to fewer bush-wascking detours or travelling into dangerous area.

drop your bags where it is safe and comfortable

Two: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
Tar pits and quick sand are not appropriate surfaces - obviously. But when you are set to pitch your tent, look around for vegetation, how much impact will you have on the area surrounding the tent, and if you will disturb any wildlife in during your stay. Try not to crush the nice fluffy moss area; although it may look nice and cushy to put a tent on, you'll be damaging the growth that other animals need to survive. Try plopping down in an area that looks well used. If in the back country where there are no well marked camp areas, spread out and when packing up, cover your tracks with natural surroundings.

Three: Dispose of Waste Properly
Sure, it's natural to do your business in the woods, but to do it properly so that its not hurting the plans or animals is a different story. If you haven't heard of a cathole, it's like your in-ground toilet. Make sure that when you dig out your cathole that you are about 200ft from any water source, that it is easy to cover and that it is in a location that is out of the way. When it comes to using TP or lady products, it is best to pack them in, rather then burying or tossing in the fire. Try checking out the Sea to Summit Trowel for digging.

Four: Minimize Campfire Impact
Nothing says camping like a good ol' bonfire; however, they are incredibly destructive if you don't use them correctly. Many companies make camp stoves that are extremely packable like the new MSR Microrocket. This allows you to still make your single pot meals without having to make a camp fire. If you prefer to make a fire, make sure that you are within regulation and take note of the season (camp fires in dry areas can be dangerous). In some popular hike areas, camp fires are a no-no. If you can build fires, check to see if there is already a designated fire pit. Gather your firewood from sticks found along the trail on the ground rather than taking many from one area.

Five: Respect Wildlife
We'll admit, it is very cool to scream at the top of your lungs when you get to the top of a mountain; but when you're camping, try to keep the noise down so you don't freak out the animals; you don't want mama bear seeking you out. As cool as it would be to see mama bear and her cubs, no one likes to be spied on. Also, as  quick and relieving it would be to pee in the river - that is used as vital drinking water for animals, AND other campers (see step 7)

Six: Leave What You Find


Yes, the chipmunk is cute, no you can't put it in your pocket and take it home. Same goes for things like pine cones, rocks and sticks. Try not to change anything on your camp site, like damaging live trees to create a lean-to, or hacking off bow branches. Allow others to experience nature exactly as you found it. Some parks actually have made it illegal to take natural artefacts from the sites - it keeps the forest looking unique, which is why we love it in the first place!




And Finally - thanks to those of you who have made it this far and want to learn a bit about camp ethics.

the Mandrill thinks you should keep it down.

Step 7: Don't pee in rivers. No, thats not it. Its Be considerate of other visitors.
This is pretty straightforward. Pick up your trash, keep pets on a leash and don't destroy nature - its the reason we all want to be out there, so keep it looking beautiful for the rest!
For a full description of the 7 principles or information on where you can sign up for workshops, visit www.leavenotrace.ca