Leave No Trace, and Why It’s Important

At Outdoor AdVANtures we value the Leave No Trace initiative. Leave No Trace is an organization that seeks to educate people on how to protect and preserve the outdoors. We are so lucky to be based in the beautiful state of Colorado. With majestic mountains, wonderful wildlife, and luscious lands we should all do our part to help preserve not only this state but all of the outdoors.

What Exactly Does Leave No Trace Mean?

Leave No Trace is built on 7 main principles. The principles are a starting and simple guideline to make it easy for anyone visiting the outdoors to understand. The principles are:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 

Preparation is important in order to provide a safe and enjoyable trip. Neglecting to prepare can put you at risk as well as possibly cause damage to the land and resources. An example of this would be to cook using a campfire when there is a fire ban in effect. Check and see what the current regulations are for the campground you’re heading to before you leave.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

When traveling through areas, be mindful of where you are walking. Travel damage occurs when vegetation or other organisms are trampled beyond recovery. Also walking on unstable surfaces can cause the land to decay.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

This one is pretty self explanatory. Make sure to not leave any trash behind on your hikes or at your campsite. Failure to do so could negatively impact the land, wildlife, and future campers. Don’t be that person!

4. Leave What You Find

Discovery is an exciting part of exploring the outdoors. However, when people take rocks, plants, and other natural items home, it ruins the experience for the next person. Also, if you do have to move things, be it rocks and branches for your campsite or for some other reason, be sure to put them back where you found them before you leave. 

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 

There are many things to consider when making a campfire. Are there restrictions in place? Is it safe? Is there someone to attend to the fire at all times? The answer to these questions will help you determine if it’s a good idea to build a campfire. Leave No Trace recommends using a lightweight efficient camp stove instead of a wood campfire to minimize the damage done to the land. Also, consider that all models of our Outdoor AdVANture Vans have a stove and microwave for all your cooking needs!

6. Respect Wildlife

Be sure to observe wildlife from afar. Try not to startle or scare animals as it can stress them out. Also do not feed, pick up, or try to get close to the animals in the wild. You are a visitor in their home, so please be courteous!

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors 

The best way to explain this principle is to keep the golden rule in mind. Treat others how you would want to be treated. Try not to disturb nearby campers and try to be courteous in general to those around you. Also, be sure to have control of any pets you bring and clean up after them. If we all be respectful to one another everyone can have a fun and relaxing time!

Conclusion 

Campsites and hiking trails get many visitors every year. If those visitors do not follow the Leave No Trace principles it can cause damage to the campsites, water, wildlife, and vegetation. Lack of care would also take away from the beauty of the outdoors if things get trashed or damaged. Just make sure to do your best to be considerate of nature and preserve the great outdoors.

For more information on the Leave No Trace initiative, check out our Resource Directory page here: https://www.outdooradvantures.com/outdoor-life

Outdoor AdVANtures™ is a Campervan Rental Company based in Denver, Colorado run by people that are passionate about the outdoors, just like you! We offer a fleet of late model, customized vans along with the highest quality outdoor gear designed to make your trip a memorable experience.