Leave No Trace Camping: 7 Principals of Leave No Trace Ethics

The last thing recreationalists want to do is love the backcountry to death. This means working together on preservation methods to ensure generations of hikers will get to experience the unique connections we can gain through travelling in remote wilderness.

Camping in the backcountry offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, find solitude, and explore some of the most beautiful landscapes. At Kootenay Backcountry Guides, we are committed to promoting backcountry safety and stewardship, and we believe that Leave No Trace (LNT) principles are essential for anyone venturing into the wilderness. 

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Proper planning ensures the safety of your group and the preservation of the environment. Research the area you plan to visit, understand the regulations, and be prepared for extreme weather or emergencies. Planning also helps to minimize waste and damage to the land. Planning ahead for tree hangs that ensure animals will not be attracted to your smell is also part of ethics. Conditioning animals to human food can result in dangerous situations for both the animal and humans. See principal 6.  

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to established trails and campsites to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems. In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent the creation of new trails and campsites. This minimizes your impact and helps protect vegetation and wildlife. 

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. This simple rule means taking all your trash with you, including food scraps, hygiene products, and litter. Proper waste disposal also includes human waste. Use a portable toilet if available or dig a cat hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites. Better yet, you can carry it out in Wag Bags or similar products.  

4. Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them to allow others to enjoy them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. 

5. Minimize Campfire Impact

Campfires can cause lasting impacts on the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, keep fires small, and burn all wood to ash. Make sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving. 

6. Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviours, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Store food and trash securely to protect wildlife and yourself. 

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous, yield to other users on the trail, and avoid loud noises and voices. Let nature's sounds prevail.