"leave no trace policy"
Into the Wilderness "Leave No Trace" Policy
At Into the Wilderness, we are committed to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the wild places we explore. In alignment with the principles of “Leave No Trace,” as promoted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and other respected outdoor organizations, we ask all our participants to adhere to the following guidelines to minimize our impact on the environment :
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Research your destination and understand the regulations and special concerns for the area you will visit.
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use and aim to travel in small groups.
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Ensure that you have the necessary equipment and knowledge to handle unexpected situations.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Stick to established trails and campsites, and avoid walking off-trail to prevent erosion and damage to vegetation.
• Camp on durable surfaces such as rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Disperse use in areas where there are no established sites to prevent the creation of new trails and campsites.
• Keep campsites small and avoid expanding them. Choose a site that is away from water sources to protect riparian areas.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
• Pack it in, pack it out. Carry out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
• Use toilet facilities where provided. If not available, dispose of human waste in a cathole dug 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet away from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
• Pack out all hygiene products and never bury or burn them.
4. Leave What You Find
• Preserve the past by examining, but not touching, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species by cleaning gear and footwear before and after trips.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
• Campfires can cause lasting impacts. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small and only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, and scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife
• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Let nature’s sounds prevail and avoid loud voices and noises.
By following these “Leave No Trace” principles, we ensure that the natural environments we enjoy today remain pristine and unspoiled for future generations. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to these guidelines as we venture Into the Wilderness.