leave no trace bsa guide

8/14/2019 Leave No Trace BSA Guide

1/99

A nationally recognizedoutdoorskillsand ethical awarenessprogram

s# 'T$ -,9f r c A


2/99

TEACHINGTEAVENOTRACEA nationally recognizedoutdoor skillsand ethical awarenessprogram

B o Y c o u r s $ o FA t E R r c A


3/99

AcxnowtEDc ENTsWe hank he following eople or their ime and efforts in making his hanGbookpossible:ScottReid,LeaveNo Trace nc.;Jeff Marion,U.S.GeologicalSurvey;KellyHartsell,NationalParkService;AaronGale,AnneRobinson,DougRobinson,KayRusson,and DaveWitt,UtahNationalParksCouncil;FredJepsenand DavidMunford,GreatSaltLakeCouncil;Kim Hardcastle, rapperTrailsCouncil;Bill Wagner nd StewJacobson,Bureauof LandManagement;SarahFlinders ndRandyWelsh,U.S.ForestService;BrucePowell,NationalParkService;and Martin Ott, State of Utah Departmbntof NaturalResources.

Specialhanksgo to DonaldM. Gale,chairmanof LeaveNoTrace or theUtahNationalParksCounciland advisoror the Tu{ubiruNoonie odgeof Orderof the Arrow, or developing he prototypeof this handbook.

!r

fnformation or this handbookwas extracted rom TerchingLeaveNoTrace, bookletpublished y he Bureauof LandManagement ndthe U.S.ForestServicehat contains ctivitieso teach esponsiblebackcountrykil ls.


4/99

ContentsP r e f a c e . . . . . . . . v

W h y L e a v e N o T r a c e T . . . . . . . . . . 1W h e r e t o S t a r t . . . . . . 2

T i p s f o r T e a c h i n g . . . . 3Backgroundon the PrinciplesofL e a v e N o T r a c e . . . . . . 5

O u r N a t u r a l W o r l d . . . 51 .P l a n A h e a d a n d P r e p a r e . . . . . . . 62. Tfaveland Campon DurableSurfaces . . . . . .93. Dispose f WasteProperly

(Pack t In, Pack t Out) . 134. LeaveWhat YouFind . . . 165. Minimize Campfire mpacts. . . 176. RespectWildlife . .207. Be Consideratef OtherVisitors . . . . .22

OuickConcepts ... .23QuickConceptor OurNaturalWorld . . .24QuickConceptor PlanAheadand Prepare . . . ZsQuick Concept or Tfavel and Camp on

D u r a b l e S u r f a c e s . . . . . . 2 6QuickConceptor Dispose f WasteProperly(Pack t In, Pack t Out) . . . . . .27QuickConceptor LeaveWhat YouFind . . . . . . 28QuickConcept or Minimize Campfire mpacts . 28QuickConceptor RespectWildlife . . . . .29QuickConceptor Be Considerate fO t h e r V i s i t o r s . . . . 30

A c t i v i t y P l a n s . . . . . . 31Activity Plan or Our NaturalWorld-

UnderstandingOutdoorEthics . . . . . .32ActivityPlan 1 for PlanAheadand Prepare-Explor ingPret r ipPlanning . . . .37

ActivityPIan2 for PlanAheadand Prepare-Exp lo r ingMea lP lann ing . . . . . . 44

Activity Plan I for Tiaveland CampOn DurableSurfaces-ExploringravelConcepts . .47

ActivityPlan 2 for Thavel nd Campon DurableSurfaces-ExploringCampsiteSelection . . . 51

Activity Plan I for Dispose f WasteProperly-Exp lo r ingTfashDisposa l . . . . . 58

Activity Plan2 for Dispose f WasteProperly-ExploringDisposal f Human Waste . . . . . . 61Activity Plan or LeaveWhat YouFind-

ExploringNaturalSettings ndArchaeologicalAreas ...65

Activity Plan or MinimizeCampfire mpacts-ExploringFires nd Stoves . . . . . . . . 68

ActivityPlan or RespectWildlife-ExploringR e s p e c t f o r W i l d l i f e . . . . 72

ActivityPlan or BeConsideratef OtherVisitors-ExploringHow to BeConsiderateof OtherVisitors . .75

A p p e n d i x . . . . . 7 9LeaveNo TlaceResources . . 80To LeaveNo Thace . . 8lA SideNoteon Rules ndRegulations . . .82I d e a s t o R e m e m b e r . . . . . . . 8 3The Principles f LeaveNo Tlace . . . . . . 84


5/99


6/99

rrAcnmrrrAvrxotaAcr

PtefaceThe purposeof this manual s to further LeaveNo Tfaceskills and awareness foutdoor ethics.The Boy Scoutsof Americahas adopted he principlesof LeaveNo Thace,which are easy o learn and apply.As eachprinciple is learned, tshouldbe applied.Every outing and activity should be conductedwith LeaveNo Tlace n mind. As young peoplemature,we will enjoy an increasinglybeau-tiful environmentbecauseof the impact of their training in LeaveNo Tface.As membersof the Boy Scoutsof America,we shouldbe goodstewardsofour environment hrough knowledgeable se of resources. his manualcanserveas a major tool in our efforts o teach others he importanceof our rela-tionship with the environment.We all must takeresponsibility or our decisionswhen we use he outdoors,and we should treatthe environmentwith respectso future generations an enjoythe outdoorsaswe do today.Contact ederaland state and managementagenciesor additional nformation.(Check he blue pagesof your local telephonedirectory.)Additional resources reavailableon the Internet at lttp://unru.blm.gov/educatioll/WT or from the kaveNo TfaceWeb site,http://wunt.lNT.org;by telephoning 00-3324100;hroughlocal and managers; nd throughthe BSASupply catalog.Ttris manud containsa variety of activitiesdesigned o teach he skills neces-sary to earnthe LeaveNo TfaceAwarenessAward.As you review the manualyouwill realizehow easy hese essons re o prepare.You canfocusmanymonthsofweekly activities on teachingand learning .eaveNo Tfaceskills and ethics.Usea singleconcept rom the sectioncalledBackgroundon the PrinciplesofLeaveNo Tfaceoneweek,and the nextweek work on the colresponding on-ceptfrom the QuickConcepts ection.The Backgroundon the PrinciplesofLeaveNo Tfaceprovidesessentialnformation requiredto understand eave NoTlaceprinciples.The QuickConcepts ectionpresentsactivities hat require ittlepreparation.Eachactivity takesonly about 15 o 30 minutes.Weeklymeetingscan also be used o work on the merit badgesneeded o qualify for the award.

The Activity Planssectionprovides n-depth LeaveNo Tlaceactivities oryour monthly campout.Theseactivitieswill requiremorepreparationand willtake45 to 75 minutes o complete.Campoutsmay be used asLeaveNo Tface-relatedserviceprojects.It is alsorecommendedhat adults and youths take the opportunity to par-ticipate n other activitiessuch as ConservationGoodTirrn and the William T.HornadayAwards,and earnother awards elated o conservationand our envi-ronment.Any part of this manual may be reproducedand used n any mannerthat will help further knowledgeof LeaveNo Tfaceprinciples,skills, and ethics.,


7/99

d*'*sI**,&


8/99

Why LeaveNo Trace?Today,us eof designated ilderness reashas ncreasedro m 4 mill ion people rl1964,o 7 m i l l i onpeop le n l974, to 15n i l l i on in 1984,21 n i l l i on n 1994, ndnearly30 mill ion expected sers n 2000.That'sa 750percellt ncreasen 3 0yearslAs cit iesgrow and populationsencroachupon wildlandsancl ecre.rt ionareas,we must do more han ust pick up the it terand ext inguish arnpf ires.We must learn how to maintain he integrityanclcharacter f the outdoors oral l l iving things.LeaveNo Trace s not simply a prograrn or visit ing he back-country, t is an attitudeand a way of l ife.Learningabout LeaveNo Tr.lcel reginswith vour unit .

Th e knowledgean d concepts nablir-rgisitors oleaveno tracear e easily aught both beforean d dur-ing outings.This hanclbook s clevotedo helpingyou teachothers he value of natural areasan dth e methodswe can use o help protectan dconserve l-rese reas or future generations.

TEAcHTNc EAvENo rRAcE

A s l o n g a s I ' l l l i v eI ' l l h e a r w a t e r f a l l sa n d b i r d s a n dw i n d s s i n g .

I ' l l i n t e r p r e t t h er o c k s , I e a r n t h el a n g u a g e o f f l o o d ,s t o r m , a n d t h ea v a l a n c h e .

I ' l l a c q u a i n tm y s e l f w i t h t h eg l a c i e r s a n d w i l dg a r d e n s , a n d g e ta s n e a r t h e h e a r to f t he wo r l d asI c a n .

- John M u i rSTF'v. j,t]

#,&


9/99

TEAcHTNcLEAvENoTRAcE

Individual Scouts,Scouters,or units

apply training avail-able in this workbookand complete require-ments for the LeaveNo Trace Aware-nessAward.

Complete heapplication and

submit it to the localcouncil servicecenteror resident camp trad-ing post.

The Leave NoTrace Awareness

Award patch, No. 8630,is available at councilsenricecentersandresident camp trad-ing posts.

,kf

Where o StartSomegroupswith extensive ackcountryexperiencemayalreadypracticeheLeaveNo Tlaceprinciplesas a part of their culture.Othersmight only "carcamp."Somemaydo a lot of backpackingut haveno knowledge f LeaveNoTfaceand consequentlymay have o dvercome few bad habits.Tocomplicatethe task, evenexperiencedroupswill probablyhavenew memberswho havenot beenexposedo LeaveNo Tiaceprinciplesand skills.The first step n puttingtogethera trainingprogram or your group s to hon-estly understandwhereyou are.Startby askingyourselfand your youth partici-pants he followingquestions:) Do we planahead or all circumstancesnd go prepared?) Do we always ravelandcamp on durablesurfaces? o we know whatthat means?Do we know what surfaces renot durable?) Do we know how to properly ispose f our humanwasteand wastewater?) Do we minimizesite alterations nd eavenatural temsand artifacts orothers o discover?) Do we minimizeour campfire mpact?) Do we only observewildlife,or do we disturb hem with our actions?) Are we alwaysconsiderate f othercampers?) Do we understand nd follow the LeaveNo TiaceprinciplesS


10/99

TEAcHINGLEAVENOTRACE

Honest answers o questions ike thesewill help determinewhereyour Sroupstandsn the process f learningLeaveNo Tlaceprinciples.Havingestablishedwhereyou arcwill help you determinewhere to start your LeaveNo Tlace rain-ing. Learnthoseskills and ethics hat areneeded rom this handbookto help youcomplete he requirements or earning he kave No Tlace AwarenessAward.This handbookhas beendesigned or flexibility in meetingyour needs.Teachas ittle or asmuch asyour groupcan handle n a session.Youmay havealreadytaughtparticipantssomeof theseskills.With this designyou can determineyourgroupneedsand go to that part of the handbook.Work theseactivities nto yourweeklymeetingsand monthly campouts o prepare or successful ompletionofrequirementsor the LeaveNo TfaceAwareness ward.

Tips for ftachingMAITE TT AN AI'VETIT{'REIIt's easy o help your group learn LeaveNo Tfaceskills in a fun and interest-ing atmosphere. he following tips provide nsight into the teachingandlearningprocess.Be PreparedAdvancepreparationof meetingshelps ensurea quality experienceor youand your audience.Someactivitiesrequireyou to assemblematerials, o haveparticipantscomeprepared,or to selectspecialmeeting ocations.Keep hefollowing n mind:) Find a relaxing spotand review the entireactivity aheadof time. Reviewingwill give you time to familiarize yourself with the necessarynformation,assemblematerials,choosea meeting ocation,or makeassignments riorto teaching he activity. Carefullyreading his information will keepyou onestepaheadof your audiencemembersand allow you to support hem in

understandingeachnew LeaveNo Tfaceprinciple..) Assemblematerialsaheadof time. The materialsneeded or eachactivity arereadily availableand requireminimum time to gather.) Makearrangementsor the meeting ocation n advance.Be sure here s ade-quatespace, ighting, and other important elements o help make he partici-pantscomfortable.) Assign asksbefore he meeting,and give ndividuals plenty of time anddirection to complete heir assignmentsn advance.


11/99

TEAcHINGLEAVENoTRAcE

Teaching and Learning styles-Diversity Is the spice of LifeEachof us teachesand learnswith our own unique style.Anyone who hasworked with peopleknows that differentpeopleare nspiredby differentteachingand learning echniques.Most youngpeoplegenerallypreferactive,hands-on,minds-on earning.TheseLeaveNo Thace ctivitieshavebeen wdt-ten with the following styles n mind.) Visual learner. The visual learner ikes to learn through seeing-video,chart,picture,model.) Auditory learner. The auditory learner ikes to learn through listening-lecture,discussion, ebate.) Kinesthetic learner. The kinesthetic earner ikes to learnby usinghis orher body-dance, drama,movement,hiking.) Tlactile earner. The tactile earner ikes to learn through touching andfeeling-hands-on activitiesand projects.) Experiential learner. The experiential earner ikes to learnby experiencing

the activity first-hand.A Guide on the Side, Not a Sage on the StagePeopleearnbetterwhen beingguided o discoverand think for themselves.Learning hrough lectures rom the "expert" is seldom nterestingand easilyforgotten.When teachingLeaveNo Thace,emember o) Encourage nvolvement. Allow individuals to discoverand think for them-selves, atherthan providing them with all the answers.) Iearn together.You will havesome oundationalknowledgebecause ouhave reviewed he necessarynformation. Allow yourself o learn along withyour group asyou experience achactivity. Youdo not have o be a Leave

No Tbace xpert.The activities n this handbookaredesignedo allow participants o discoverfor themselveshe importanceof LeaveNo Tfaceand how to apply the principles.


12/99

TEACHINGLEAVENOTRACE

P l a n A h e a dand Prepa re

T rave l and

tF,ih *'tP :" " \l'( J 2

?P* *lLr- I

:' r#Q C a m p on D u r a b l e

S u r fa c e s

D i s p o s e o fWas t e Prope r l ycl ( P a c k I t I n ,P a c k I t O u t )

Leave Wha t@ "oo F ind

M in im i ze

Background n the PrinciPlesof LeaveNoTraceAN IN.DEPITI LOOK AjTTIIE NEED FOR I.EATTENO TRACEGetacquainted ith the seven rinciples f LeaveNo Tiace. t's essentialofeelcomfortable nd knowledgeableeforegettingstarted.Beginby thoroughlyreadinghissection eforeproceeding ith the activities. hen, eview heappropriatenformationbeforeconductinga specificactivity.Our Natural WorldOften,beforepeoplecan decide o leaveno trace n the backcountry,hey mustfeel a personal onnectiono the and; heyneeda reasono care.Caringcantakemany orms:a love of beauty,an enjoyment f wild plantsand animals,an interestn learningabout he naturalworld, a feelingof oneness ith nature,a desireor fun and eisure,he excitement f discovery, r evena need o bechallenged. ll theseexamples elp llustratehow we area partof the web oflife that surrounds s.An understandingf how thenaturalworld functions-andour ability ochangehisworld-raisesmanyconsiderationsboutLeaveNo Tiace.BeforeteachingLeaveNo Tface,eaders re encouragedo helppeoplemakea per-sonalconnection ith the naturalworld.Simultaneously,s he ndividualnurtureshisconnection, commitmento protectinghe naturalworld alsotakesshape.Thissectionhelpsset he stage or promotingLeaveNo Tfaceandremindsus thathumansarepartof thenaturalworld.

Q campf i reImpac ts

R e s p e c t@ *,, ' t ,r"Be Cons idera teo f Other V is i to rs


13/99

TEAcHING EAVENo TRAcE

W i l d e r n e s s i s an e c e s s i t y . . . af o u n t a i n o f l i f e . . .t h o u s a n d s o f t i r e d ,n e r v e - s h a k e n ,o v e r -c i v i l i z e dp e o p l e w h o a r eb e g i n n i n g t o f i n do u t t h a t g o i n g t ot h e m o u n t a i n i sg o i n g h o m e ; t h a tw i l d e r n e s s i s ah e c e s s i t y ; t h a tm o u n t a i n p a r k sa n d r e s e r v a t i o n sa r e u s e f u l n o ton l y as f oun t a i nso f t i m b e r a n di r r i g a t i n g r i v e r s ,bu t as f oun t a i nso f l i f e .

O Phn Ahead and PrepareProper rip planningand preparation elpsbackcountryravelersaccomplishrip goalssafelywhile minimizingdamageo the andand having fun.Poorplanningoften results n miserable ampers nd damageonatural and cultural resources.Rangers ften tell storiesof campers hey haveencountered ho, because f poor planningand unexpected onditions,degrade ackcountry esources nd put themselves t risk.M|E IMPORTANCE OF TRIP PI.ANNINGHereare a few incentivesor trip planning.Youmay want to add to this list.Tfip planning) Helpsensure he safetyof groupsand ndividuals) Reduceshe ikelihoodof needed earch r rescue ssistance) Prepares sersof the out-of-doorso leaveno traceand minimizesresourcedamage) Contributeso a fun and enjoyable utdoorexperience) Increaseself-confidencend opportunitiesor learningmoreabout nature

When a groupneglectshe responsibility f proper rip planning, t leavesthe door wide openfor events o go awry. A group that is experienced ndfamiliar with the geographical haracteristics f an areawill avoid risk by) Steering learof areas usceptibleo flash loodsor along idgetops ulnera-ble to lightning activity) Carryingan adequate upplyof drinking water or arranging or a way topurify water from natural sourceswhen travelingalongarid lands) Checkingwith local and managers'andtudyingmapsand weathercon-ditions o contribute o a low-riskexperience

A well-prepared roupmight plan to cook mealson stovesor, f usingacampfire,will find out in advancewhen and where hat is allowed.Stoves repreferred ver campfires ecausehey eaveno impact,can be used n differentenvironments, nd areconvenient.Sucha groupwould not discover ponarrival at its destination hat a fire ban is in effector that firewood s in scarcesupply. n contrast, oorlyprepared roupsoftenbuild a fire anyway-breakingthe law or spoiling he land-simply becausehey havenot planned or alterna-tives.A scarcewood supply s a sign hat an area s experiencinghe cumula-tive effectsof heaw recreationuse.


14/99

A group that l 'ras eveloped oo d travelplans will be able o travel as fast asit expected. hi s group will not be caughtof f guard because f steep errainortrails hat are oo rugged.However, he unprepared roup will often resort oset t ing p camp ateat nigl-rt , ometimesn a n unsafe ocat ion.Poorcampsiteselect ion sual ly eads o unnecessaryesource amage. n addit ion, he groupmay nev er even reacl'tts planr-redestination.

Chooseequipment andclothing for comfort,safety,anrl to followLeaveNo Traceprinci-ples. nclude theseout-door essentials:Extra clothingExtra trail foodRain gear (shelter)PocketknifeMatches andfire startersStoveWater bottlesMaps and compassFirst-aicl itWatchSun anrl nsectprotection (broad-brimnied hat, sun-glasses, unscreenof SPF15 or higher,insect repellent)Camerawith zoomlens for photograph-ing wildlife ata drstanceSmall trowel fo r ;digging a cathole 'jSmali strainer or1-foot-square ieceof fiberglass screenfor removing foodparticles fromdishwaterGators for muddytrails or trails withloose stones

{ Identify and recorcl heI goals (expectations) f' your trip.

ilurf,nniltrtrrI

trnf,

Axes and sarnl,E,Jrencrineedecl or coi ect i t tgand prel)ann.{l wocdfor a Leave N


15/99

TEAcHTNGEAvENo rRAcE

OITTER CONSIDERATIONS WHEI\TMIP PI.ANNINGTake he followingelementsnto consideration uring rip planning.Youmaywant to add to this list.) Weather) Tenain) Regulations,estrictions, ermits) Private and boundaries) Hiking speedof the group's eastcapablemember) Anticipated oodconsumption Leftoverscreatewaste,which leavesa trace!)) Groupsize(Does t meet and manage-ment regulations,rip purpose, nd LeaveNo Tlacecriteria?)> All LeaveNo TfaceprinciplesME/AL PI"ANNINGMealsare anotherelement o trip planning hat can profoundlyaffecta group'simpacton a backcountry rea.Benefits of Good Meal PlanningMealplanninghelps) Reducerash.) Reduce ack weight,resultingn fasterhiking times and ess atigue.) Reduce ependencepon campfires or cooking.One-Pot Meals and Food RepackdglngPlanning or one-potmealsand ightweightsnacks equires minimum ofpackaging nd preparationime, ightens oads,anddecreasesarbage.One-pot meals require minimal cookingutensils and make t easy o preparemealson a lightweightstove.TWobackpack toves an be used o cook all meals orgroupsof.12people f you havea coupleof largepots.(One argepot can bebalancedon two stoveswhen quickheating s desired.)Whenusing smallerpots, our backpack tovesmay be needed.Most food shouldbe removed rom its commercialpackagingand placed nresealable lasticbagsor sealable lasticcontainersbeforepackingyour back-packs.Resealable lasticbagssecurepremeasuredood and reducebulk and

garbage.Emptybagscan be placed nsideeachother and packedout forreuseat homeor used o carryout garbageeft by others(good urn). Thismethod minimizes he amount of garbage our groupmust packout atthe end of the trip and eliminates he undesirable ehaviorof stashingor burying unwanted rash.


16/99


, O Travet and Garnpon Durable SurfaoesThe goalof backcountry ravel s to move through the backcountrywhile minimizing damage o the land. Understandinghe impactof travelon the land is necessaryo accomplish his goal.Damageoccurswhen hikers trample surfacevegetationor communitiesoforganismsbeyondrecovery.The resultingbarrenarea eads o the developmentof undesirable railsand erosion.COIUCEXI-TRAtEAgfrVmES IIU HEAVITY USED ARE/ASBackcountry ravel frequently nvolves ravel over trails and off-trail areas.Landmanagementagencies onstruct rails in backcountryareas o provide dentifi-able routes hat concentrate oot and stock raffic. Constructedrails are hem-selvesan impact on the land; however, hey area necessary esponseo the factthat people ravel n the backcountry.Concentratingravelon trails reduces helikelihood that multiple routes will developand scar he landscape. t is betterto have one well-designed oute than many poorly chosenpaths.Tfail use s recommendedwheneverpossible.Encourageravelers o staywithin the width of the trail and not take shortcutsalong trail switchbacks trailagzags hat climb hillsides). Tlavelersshouldprovide space or otherhikers ftaking breaksalongthe trail. When taking a break,selecta durablesurfacewelloff the trail on which to rest.Practice he principlesof off-trail travel f the deci-sion is made o moveoff-trail for breaks.SNEAI' US AND IIIPACI IN PRISTIIIE ANEASSpreading se and impact applieswhen visiting any pristine area, exceptsoqgdesertsettings. Off-trail" refers o all travel that doesnot utilize a desitrail, such as travel to remote areas,searchesor "bathroom" privacy,and explorationsnear and aroundcampsites.With the exceptionof somedesertareas,backcountry ravelersshould spreaduseand mpactn pristineareas. \uoprimary actorshow off-trail ravelaffectshe and:dtrabiltty of.surfacesand vegetation, andfteEtency of. ravel(orgroupsize).) Durabiliry efers othe abilityof surfacesvegetation o withstand wear or remain na stablecondition.) Ftequmcy of use (and largegroup size)increases he likelihood that a large areawill be trampled or that a small areawillbe trampledmultiple times.


17/99


SI'RFACE DI'NABIIJTYThe conceptof durability is an important one for all backcountry ravelersto understand.The following natural surfaces esponddifferently to back-country travel.Rock,Sand,and Gravel. Thesesurfacesare highly durable and can toleraterepeated rampling and scuffing. However, ichens hat grow on rocksarevulnerable o repeatedscuffing.lceand Snow. The effect of travelacross hese surfaces s temporary,makingthem goodchoices or travel-assuming goodsafetyprecautionsare followed andthe snow layer s of sufficientdepth and firmness o preventvegetationdamage.Vegetation. The resistance f vegetation o trampling varies.Carefuldecisionsmust be made when travelingacrossvegetation.Selectareasof durable veg-etationor sparse egetation hat is easilyavoided.Grasses reresistant otrampling, but most forestherbsand fernsare fragileand quickly show theeffectsof trampling. Wet meadowsand other fragile vegetationquickly showthe effectsof trampling.

Tlampling encouragesnew and inexperienced ravelers o take the sameroute and leads o undesirable rail development.As ageneral ule, travelerswho must ventureoff-trail shouldspreadout to avoid creatingpaths hatencourage thers o follow. Avoid vegetationwheneverpossible,especiallyon steepslopeswhere the effectsof off-trail travel are magnified.Cryptobiotic Crust. Cryptobioticcrust, found in desertenvironments, se,rtremely ulnerable o foot traffic. Cryptobioticcrust consistsof tiny com-munities of organisms hat appearas a blackish and inegular raisedcrust uponthe sand. This crust retainsmoisture n desertclimatesand providesa protec-tive layer that helpspreventerosion.Onefootstepcan destroycrlptobioticcrust for decades. t is important to use developed rails in theseareas.

If you must traveloff-trail, walk on rocks or other durable surfaces. n broadareasof crlrytobioticcrust, where dantage s unavoidable, t is best to follow inone another's ootsteps, herebyaffecting he smdlest areaof crustpossible-exactly he opposite ule for traveling hrough vegetation.Cryptobiotic crust salso ortremely vulnerable to mountain bicycle and horsetravel.D6ert Puddlesand Mud Holes. Water s a preciouslyscarce esource or allliving things n the desert.Don't walk through desertpuddlesor mud holes,ordisturb surface water in any way. Potholesarealso home to tiny desert animals.


18/99

RAcE

CAMP ON DI'RABI.E SI'RFACESSelecting n appropriate ampsites perhapshe most mportantaspect f low-impactbackcountry se. t requires he greatest se of judgmentand nforma-tion and often nvolvesmaking rade-offs etweenminimizing ecological ndsocial mpacts.A decisionaboutwhere o campshouldbe basedon informa-tion about he evelof use n the area, he fragility of vegetation nd soil, thelikelihoodof wildlife disturbance, n assessmentf previousmpacts,and yourparty'spotential o causeor avoid mpact.Choosing a Campsite in High-Use AreasAvoid campingclose o water and trails,and selecta site hat is not visible oothers.Even n popularareashe sense f solitudecan be enhanced y screen-ing campsites nd choosingan out-of-the-way ite.Campingaway rom thewater'sedgealsoallowsaccessoutes or wildlife.Planaheadby discoveringand obeying egulations elated o campsiteselec-tion. Someareas equirecamperso usedesignated itesand/or to campa speci-fied distance rom watersources. llow enough ime and energyat the end ofthe day to selectan appropriatesite. Fatigue, ad weather,and latedeparturetimesare not acceptable xcusesor choosing oor or fragilecampsites.Generally,t is best o campon sites hat are sohighly mpacted hat furthercarefuluse will causeno noticeablempact. n popularareas, hesesitesareobviousbecausehey havealreadyost their vegetation over.Also, t is oftenpossibleo find a site hat naturally acksvegetation, uch as exposed edrock,sandyareas, r baresoil.On high-impact ites,concentrateents, raffic routes,and kitchen areasnthe centerof already mpactedareas. ocate he campkitchenon the mostdurablesitebecausemost mpactoccurswhen cookingand eating.The objec-tive is to confine mpact o placeshat alreadyshow use and avoid enlargingthe areaof disturbance.When eavingcamp,makesure hat it is clean,attrac-tive, and appealing o other camperswho follow.Camping in Undisturbed, Remote AreasPristineareas suallyare remote,see ew visitors,and haveno obviousimpacts.Visit thesespecialplacesonly if you are committed o andknowledge-able of the techniquesequired o LeaveNo Tface.On pristinesites t is best o spreadout tents,avoid repetitive raffic routes,and movecamp everynight.The objective s to minimize he number of timesanypart of the site s trampled. n settingup camp:) Disperseentsand the kitchenon durablesites.) Planahead o wearsoft shoesaroundcamp o minimize heimpacton vegetation nd compaction f the soil, which may

stifleroots.) Minimizeactivity around he kitchenandplaceswherepacksare stashed.


19/99

TEAcHINcLEAvENoTRAcE

The durablesurfacesof large rock slabsmakegoodkitchen sites.Watchwhereyou walk to avoidcrushingvegetation,and take alternatepaths o water.Minimize the number of trips to water by carryingwater containers.Check heregulation,but camping at least 200 feet (80 adult steps) rom water is a goodrule of thumb.When breaking camp, take time to naturalize he site,help the site recover,and make t lessobvious as a campsite.) Coverscuffedareaswith nativematerials(suchaspine needles).) Brushout footprints.) Rakemattedgrassyareaswith a stick.

This extra effortwill help hide any signs hat the spothas been a campsiteand make t less ikely that other backcountry ravelerswill camp n the samespot.The essoften a pristinecampsites used, he better ts chanceof remain-ing pristine.Camping in Arid LandsThe most appropriatecampsitesn arid lands are on durablesurfaces, uch asrock and gravel,or on sites hat have been so highly impacted hat further usewill causeno additionaldisturbance.Previously mpactedsites areobviousbecausehey havealready ost their vegetationcover or the rocky soilshavebeenvisibly disturbed. f choosing his type of site,makesureyour spot slarge enough o accommodate our entiregroup.A pristine campsite,with no evidenceof previoususe, s appropriate n aridlandsprovided t is on a nonvegetated, ighly resistantsurface.Drpansesofrock, gavel, or sandall make excellentchoices. t shouldnever be necessaryto camp on cryptobiotic oil, slandsof vegetation, r within the preciousgreenribbons of desertcreeksor streams.Bewareof camping on sandyriver bottomsand areas usceptibleo flash loods.Position ooking ueas, ents,and backpacks n rock,sand,or gtavel.Con-sciouslychoosedurableroutes of travel amongareasof your campso thatconnecting rails do not develop.Varyyour routes since he objective s tominimize trampling and compactionon any specificpart of the campsite.Also, limit your stay to no more than two nights.Neverscrapeaway or clean sitesof organic itter like leaves,and always min-imize the removal of rocks and gravel.Organic itter helps o cushion ramplingforces, imits the compatibilityof soils, eleases lant nutrients,and reducesthe erosive orcesof rainfall. Disturbing he lichen-coated nd varnished ocksknown as desertpavementcan eavea visible impact for hundredsof years.Onceoverturned, hese ocksaredifficult to replace,and the lichensand var-nish will not grow back within our lifetime.Camping in River CorridorsRiver corridors ue narrow stripsof land and water where there s little room todispersehuman activities.For this reason,campsitesare often designated.t isgenerally est o camp on established ites ocatedon beaches, andbars, rnonvegetated itesbelow the high-water ine.

\-


20/99

TEACHINC ,EAVENO TRACE

O Dsposeof Waste Properly(PackIt In, Pack It Out)Thiscommonsaying s a simpleyet effectiveway to get backcountryvisitors o take heir trashhome with them. There s no reasonwhypeoplecannotcarryout of the backcountry he extra ood andpackagingmate-rials hat they carried n with them n the first place.Ttashand itter in thebackcountry ankshigh as a problem n the minds of many backcountry isi-tors.Tfashand itter arehuman mpacts hat cangreatlydetract rom the natu-ralness f an area.Reduceitter at the source.Much backcountry rash and itter originatesromfood tems.Perhapshe easiestway to practicehe principleof prck tt in, packit out, is to follow principle number one-plnn alrcad ond prepare. t is possibleto leavemostpotential rash at home f you take he time to properly epackagefood supplies.Reducehe volumeof trashyou have o packout. Saveweight byrepackaging olid foods nto plasticbagsand iquids nto reusable ontainers.Anothergood dea s to keepyour menu simple.For short rips, consider ottaking a stoveand akingonly food hat requires o cooking.Thissignificantlyreduces ackpackweightand excessood packagingaken nto the backcountry.Your irst preferenceor dealingwith trashshouldbe to pack t out. Mosttrashwill not be entirelyconsumed y fire and conditions requentlymake iresunacceptable. reasareoften closed o firesbecause f high fire hazardsorexcessiveampsite amage.Someareas, uch as desertsettings, re mpracticalfor firesbecause f the scarcitvof firewood.


21/99

TEAcHTNGLEAVEorRAcE

How LongDoes t Las t?Pack ing o u t t rashi s i n c r e a s i n g l yim por t an t asg r e a t e r n u m b e r so f p e o p l e v i s i tth e backcoun t r y .

He re a re som ee s t i m a t e d l i f eexpec t anc i es f o rd i f f e ren t k i ndso f l i t t e r :

PAPER:t wo t of ou r weeks

Underno circumstances hould food scrapsbe buried! Discardedor buriedfood scrapsattract animal life. It is common to seechipmunks,groundsquir-rels,and variousspeciesof birds gatheringaround campkitchens.These"camprobbers" have becomeattracted o campersasa food source.Human food isnot natural to wild animals,and their natural feedingcyclesand habits becomedisruptedwhen they are fed by humans.A conscientious o-tracecamperalways keepsand leavesa cleancamp.SANITATIONDishwaterStrain dishwater hrough a smdl straineror bandana.Put the food particles na sealableplasticbag and pack them out. Broadcast he straineddishwater overa wide areaat least200 feetfrom the nearestwater source,campsite,or trail.Scatteringdishwater n a sunny areawill cause he water to evaporate uickly,causingminimal impact.Human WasteProperdisposalof human waste s important to avoid pollution of watersources,avoid the negative mplicationsof someoneelse inding it, minimizethe possibility of spreadingdisease, nd maximize the rate of decomposition.If an outhouseor bathroom s available,use t. In most backcountry oca-tions, buryrng human feces n the correctmanner s the most effectivemethodto meet thesecriteria. Solidhuman waste must be packedout from someplaces,such asniurow river canyons.Land management gencies an adviseyou of specific ules for the areayou plan to visit.Contrary o popular opinion, research ndicates hat burial of feces n min-eral soil actually slowsdecomposition.Pathogens ave been discoveredo sur-vive for a yearor more when buried. However, n light of the otherproblemsassociatedwith feces, t is still generallybest to bury it in humus (decomposingplant or animal matter that forms organic soil). The slow decomposition ateemphasizeshe need o choose he correct ocation, far from water, campsites,and other frequentlyusedplaces.CatholesCatholesare he most widely acceptedmethod of wastedisposal.Locatecatholesat least 200 feet (about80 adult steps) rom water, rails, and camp.Selectan inconspicuous itewhere other peoplewill be unlikely to walk orcamp. With a small garden rowel, dig a hole in humus that is 6 to 8 inchesdeep and 4 to 5 inches n diameter.Coverand disguise he catholewith naturalmaterialswhen finished. f camping n the area or more than one night, or ifcampingwith a largegroup,widely disperse atholesites.

C I G A R E T T EB U T T :t wo t o f ivey e a r s

B A N A N A P E E L :t h ree t o f i vew e e k sW O O L C A P :one yea r D I S P O S A B L E

H A R D P T A S T I CD I A P E R : CO N T A I N E R :1 0 t o 2 0 y e a r s 2 0 t o 3 0 y e a r s


22/99

TEAcHINcLEAVENorRAcE

I

Catholes in Arid LandsA catholes also he mostwidely acceptedmeansof wastedisposaln aridIands.Locatecatholesat least 200feet (about80 adult steps) rom water, rails,and camp.Avoid areaswhere water visibly flows, suchas sandywashes,evenif they are dry at the moment.Aid decompositionby selectinga site that willmaximize exposure o the sun. Becausehe sun'sheatwill penetratedesertsoilsseveral nches, t can eventuallykill pathogensf the fecesare buriedproperly.South-facing lopesand ridgetopswill havemore exposureo sunand heat than will other areas.fiench LatrinesThough catholesare recommendedor most situations, hereare imeswhena trench atrine may be more applicable,suchas when campingwith youngchildren or if staying n one camp for longer han a few nights. Use similarcriteria or selecting latrine ocationas hoseused o locatea cathole.Sincethis higher concentrationof feceswill decompose ery slowly, ocation s espe-cially important. Deposit eces n oneend of the trench and lengthen he otherend asneeded.A goodway to speeddecomposition nd diminishodors sto toss n a handful of humus after eachuse.Ask your land manageraboutlatrine-building echniques.Carrya urine bottle when caving o avoid mpact-ing an extremely ragile environment.Toilet PaperUse oilet papersparinglyand use only plain, white, nonperfumedbrands.Totlet aper must be disposed f ptoperly! t shouldbe either thoroughlyburiedin a catholeor placed n plasticbagsand packedout, which is the bestway topracticeLeaveNo Tlace.Neverburn toilet paperbecauseof the dangerof start-ing a wildfire.UrineUrine has ittle direct effect on vegetationor soil. In some nstancesurine maydraw wildlife that are attracted o the salts;wildlife mdy defoliateplantsand digup soil. Because rine has an obiectionableodor,be sure o urinate at least200feet from a campsiteor trail. Urinatingon rocks,pine needles,and gavel is lesslikely to attractwildlife. Diluting urine with water from a water bottle alsocanhelp minimize negativeeffects.Special Considerations for River CanyonsWestern iver canyonsoftenpresentunique LeaveNo Tfaceproblems. n largewestern ivers the most commonpractice s to urinate directly n the riverfbecause rine is sterile) and to packout feces n sealedboxes or later dis-posal.Checkwith your land manager or detailsabout specificareas.

RUBBER OOTS O L E :50 t o 80 yea rsT I N C A N :8 0 t o1 0 0 y e a r s

ALUMINUM CAN:2 0 0 t o 4 0 0 y e a r s P L A S T I CS I X . P A C KH O L D E R : 4 5 0 y e a r s

G L A S S B O T T L E S :T h o u s a n d s o rm i l l i o n s o f y e a r s


23/99


@ Icave llUhatYou FindAllow othersa sense f discovery y leaving ocks,plants,archaeo-logicalartifacts,and any other objectsasyou found them. Leovewlwt you ftnd involvesmanyaspects f outdooruse.The followinginformationaddresses varietyof ways o respect aturalsettings.MINIMIZE SITE ALTRATIONSLeave reas asyou foundthem. Do not dig trenches or tents or construct ean-tos, ables,chairs,or other rudimentary mprovements.f you clearan areaofsurface ocks, wigs, or pinecones, eplacehesematerials efore eaving.Onhigh-impact ites, t is appropriate o cleanup the siteand dismantle nappro-priateuser-built acilities, uchasmultiplefire ringsand constructed eatsortables.Consider he idea thatgood campsites re found and not mnde.In many ocations, roperly ocatedand egallyconstructedacilities, uch asa single ire ring, shouldbe eft. Dismantlinghem will causeadditional mpactbecausehey will be rebuilt with new rocksand thus distress new area.Learnto evaluateall situationsyou encounter.AVOID DAMAGING IJITE MEES AND PI.AN.TSNeverhammernails nto trees or hanging hings,hack at them with hatchetsor saws,or cut or trample ree saplings r seedlings. arving nitials nto trees sunacceptable. he cuttingof boughs or use asa sleeping ad createsminimalbenefitand maximum mpact. nexpensive,ightweightsleeping adsare read-ily availableat camp supply stores.Pickinga few flowersdoesnot seem ike it would haveany great mpactand,$ only a few flowerswerepicked, t wouldn't. However,f everyvisitor thought,lig#lljust take a couple,"a much moresignificant mpactmight result.Takea pic-the flower nsteadof picking t. Knowledgeableampersmay enjoyplantbut arecarefulnot to deplete he surroundingvegeta-

ially those hat are rare or are slow to reproduce.:i,.LEA\IE NAn RAL OBJECTSANDNaturalobjectsof beautyor interest-suchas antlers,petrifiedwood,or colored ocks-add to the moodof the backcountry nd shouldbe left so otherscanexperience sense f discovery.n nationalparksand someotherprotected reas t is illegal o remove

:i naturalobjects.The sameethic applies o cul tural artifacts oundon public lands.Cultural artifactsareprotectedbythe Archaeological esources rotectionAct. It is ille-gal to removeor disturb archaeologicalites,historicsites,or artifacts-such aspot shards, rrowheads,structures, nd evenantiquebottles-found on pub-lic lands. f you discovera significantarchaeologicalresourcehat may not be known to others,pinpointits locationon a topographicmapand reportyourfinding to a land manager.\-


24/99

TEAcHINGLEAvENoTnAcE

O Minimizecampfire ImpactsFInES I/ERSIS S'AOVESThe useof campfires, ncea necessityor cookingand warmth, ssteepedn historyandtradition.Somepeoplewould not think ofcampingwithout a campfire.Campfirebuilding is alsoan importantskill for everycamper.Yet, he natural appearance f many areashasbeendegraded y the overuseof fires and an increasingdemand or firewood.The developmentof efficient, ightweight campstoveshas encouraged shiftawayfrom the traditional fire. Stoveshave becomeessentialequipment orminimum-impact camping.They are fast, flexible,efficient, reliable,and cleanburning, and they eliminate he need or firewood.Stovesoperate n almostanyweather condition, and they leaveno trace.

$NULD YOU BI'IID A FINEI?The most mportant consideration o be madewhen deciding o usea fire is thepotentialdamage o the backcountry.) What is the fire danger or the time of yearand the locationyou have selected?) Are thererestrictions rom the land managingagency?) Is theresufficientwood so ts removalwill not be noticeable?) Does he harshness f alpineand desertgrowing conditions or treesandshrubsmean hat the regeneration f wood sources annotkeeppacewiththe demand or firewood?) Do Soup memberspossesshe skill to build a campfire hat will leaveno trace?I.ESSNING IMPATS WHEN CAMPFIRES ARE USEDIf building a fire cannotbe avoided,camp n areaswherewood is abundant.Choosenot to havea fire in areaswhere there s little wood-at higher eleva-tions, in heavilyusedareas,or in desertsettings.A true LeaveNo Tface ireshowsno evidence f its use.Existing Fire RingsThe bestplace o build a fire is within an existing ir$ring in a well-placedcampsite.Keep he fire smalldand burning only for the time you areusing t.Allow wood to burn completely o ash.Put ,out fireswith water,not dirt. Avoid building ifiresnext to rock outcropswhere the black "iscarswill remain for many years.

r:.i_{*"'*tsf.:


25/99

tlAcENorrAmM)t?AcE

Mound FircConstmction f a mound irecanbe accomplishedy usrngsimple ools:agar-den rowel, argestuffsack,and agound clothor plasticgarbage ag.Tbbuildthistype of fire:O CoUectomemineralsoil,sand,or gravel romanalreadydisturbed ource.Therootholeof a toppled reeor sand roma dry riverbedarepossible ources.(D UV agound clothon thefire siteanh henspreadhesoil nto a circular,flat-toppedmoundat least5 incheshick.

The hickness f the mound s critical o insulateheground romthe heatof the fire. Ttregound cloth or garbage ag s importantonly n that t makescleaning p the firemucheasier. hecirsumferencef the moundshouldbelarger han he sizeof thefire to allowfor the nevitable preading f coals.Theadvantagef themound ire s that t canbe built on flat, exposedockoronan organic urface uchas itter,duff, or grirss.Fhe PansUseof firepans s agooddternative or firebuilding.Metaloil drainpansandsomebackyard arbecue ills makeeffective nd ne'rpensiveirepans.Ttrepanshouldhaveat least3-inch-high ides.Elevatehepanon rocksor line itwith mineralsoilso he heatwill not scorchheground.

\,


26/99

TEAcHrNcraAvENornAcE

Firewood*U "r"-onStanding ees, dead or alive, are home to birds and insects,so eave hemintact. Fallen reesalsoprovidebird and animal shelter, ncreasewater-holdingcapacityof the soil, and recyclenutrients back nto the environment hroughdecomposition.Strippingbranches rom standingor fallen treesalso detractsfrom an area'snatural appearance.) Avoid using hatchetsand sawsor breakingbranchesoff standingor downedtrees.Use dead and downedwood, which burns easilyand is easy o collect.) Use small piecesof wood-no larger han the diameterof an adult wrist-that can be brokenwith your hands.This practiceavoidshaving to use asaw or hatchet, and the wood readi ly burns to ash.) Gatherwood over a wide areaaway from campto avoiddepleting he woodsupply and to let nutrients return to the soil. Along rivers and seashores, sedry driftwood.) Stop addingnew fuel to a fire near the end of its use and toss n burned ends

of wood. Allow the coals o burn to white ash,thoroughly soakwith water,and scatter he remainsover a large.uea away from camp.In river corridors,ashesmay have o be packedout.) When cleaningup a mound or pan fire, replacesoil whereyou found it.) Scatterunusedwood to keep he area ooking asnatural aspossible.) Packout any campfire itter. Thash houldnot be burned, especiallyplasticitems and foil-lined wrappF, the remainsof which stay n the firelay.SAFETTCertain safetyprecautionsshouldbe followed when handling fire:) When using stovesor fires, ollow BSAproceduresorsupervisionof young people. .) Follow all manufacturer'sproduct and safety abels or stoves.) Useonly approvedcontainers or fuel.> Build campfireswell away from tents or tarps.) Never eave a fire unattended.) Keepwood and other fuel sourcesaway from fire.) Thoroughly sdnguish all fires.


27/99

TEAcHTNGLEAvENoTRAcE

@ Respec'tWildlifeMost wildlife can adapt o consistent atternsof humanactivity,but it's best o learnabout wildlife throughquietobservation.carry binoculars, spottingscope, r a telephoto ens o view and photo-graphwildlife from observationareasand trails.Observewildlife from a distanceso they are not scaredor forced o flee.Youare oo close f your presence r actionscausewildlife to alter heirnormalhabits.Largegroupsoften causemore damage o the environmentand can disturbwildlife, so keepyour groupsmall. If you havea largergroup,minimize yourimpact by dividing into smallergroups f possible.Planyour trip to avoid criti-cal or sensitivewildlife habitatsor times when wildlife arenestingand rearingtheir young.Quickmovements nd oud noisesarestressfulo animals.Tlavelquietly anddo not pursue, eed,or forceanimals o flee. (Oneexceptions in bearcountry,where t is good o makea little noisesoasnot to startle he bears.) n hot or coldweather,disturbance anaffectan animal'sability to withstand he rigorousenvi-ronment.Do not touch,getclose o, feed,or pick up wild animals. t is stressfulto the animal,and t is possible hat the animalmay harborrabiesor other dis-eases.Sick or woundedanimalsmay bite,peck,or scratchand sendyou to thehospital. f you find sick animalsor animals n trouble,notify a gamewarden.Considerate ampersobservewildfire from afar,give animals a wide berth,store ood securely,and keepgarbageand food scrapsaway from animals.Leaveyoung animalsaloneand remainat a distance rom nestingbirds, den-ning animals,and newbornanimals. Younganimalsremovedor touchedby

well-meaningpeoplemay cause he animals' parents o abandon heir young.area visitor to their home. feed wildlife or allow them tofood,evenscraps.that obtain human foodnuisanceanimalsare oftenkilled byt cars,dogs,or predators


28/99

TEACHINGLEAVENoTRACE

becausehey eft the safetyand coverof their normal habitat.Suchanimalsoftenget nto human rash,eating hingssuchasplastic ood wrappers,whichcan become rappedand clog heir digestive ystems.Human ood also s notnutritious or wildlife and can cause ooth decay, um infection,and ulcers.The chanceof survival s slim when wardensmust be called n to trapandrelocate bearor deer.Allow animals reeaccesso water sources y giving hem the bufferspacetheyneed o feelsecure.deally,campsshouldbe locatedat least200 eet ormore rom existingwater sources. hiswill minimize disturbanceo wildlifeand help ensure hat animalshaveaccesso their preciousdrinkingwater.With limitedwater n arid ands,desert ravelersmuststrive o reduce heirimpact on the animalsstrugglingor survival.Desertdwellersare usuallymostactiveafter dark;you will be ess ikely to frighten hemby avoidingwaterholesat night.Washing ndhumanwastedisposalmust be donecarefullyso heenviron-ment s not pollutedand so animalsand aquatic ife arenot injured.Whileswimming n lakesor streamss fine n most nstances,n desertareas,eavescarcewater holesundisturbed nd unpollutedso animalsmay drink from them.

\.e l ' - - *- ' - t r \1

Megsykitchens and food odorsattract bears.A conscientiouslow-impact camper alwayskeepg a clean camp. Kitchensshould be placed at least 200feet (or 80 adutt steps) ftomtent sites. Food must be storedat loart 3fi) feet from tent andldtchen sltes, hung at loast12 feet off tbe ground betweentreor, 6 feet away ftom thetrunls of the Eees, and 6 feetbelow a limb. Your food stor-8g, moHng arga,and tentsitss should form a trlanglewit.h a minimum of 2m feetbgfiirgen tbm.All food ltems and trashmust be bung to keop themaway from boarr and otherwlldllfe. Foodbrought to yotutsnt tnvitr danger to your sleeping area, and food left in your pack may result in a desffioyedpack as the bear searches or the sourceof food odors. Considerusing bear-proof canisters,which are tighfipeight and easy to carry.

EtlN'[:6ratTOt"EE A

ITtrlNE12sgr.Fnox(NOUI|D

IY


29/99

TEAcHn{c .EA\rE orRAcE

O BeGonsiderate f OtherVirsitorsOneof the most mportantcomponents f outdoorethics s to becourteousowardother visitors. t helpsall visitorsenjoy heir out-door experience. any peoplecome o the outdoors o listen onature.Excessiveoise,unleashed ets,and damaged urroundingstakeaway from everyone'sexperience.So,keep he noise evel down whiletravelingand, f you mustbring a radio, apes,CDs,or cellphone,usehead-phonesso you will not disturbothers.Also keep n mind that the feelingof solitude,especially n openareas, senhancedwhen Soup size s small,contacts re fiequent, and behavior s unob-trusive.Visitor surveysshowthat severalsmall groupsarepreferableo one argeSoup. Wheneverpossible, eparateargergroups nto several mallergroups hattraveland campseparately. o maximizeyour feelingsof privacy,avoidtrips dur-ing holidaysand busy weekends, r take a trip during he off-season.Becourteouso othergroupsyou meet.Groups eadingor riding ivestockhave he right-of-wayon trails, and bikersshouldyield to both equestrians ndhikers. Hikersand biryclists should move off the trail to the downhill sideandstop. Horses respooked asily, o staymotionless nd talk quietly o the ridersas hey pass.Stay n controlwhen mountainbiking. Beforepassing thers,politely announceyour presence nd proceedwith caution. Take estbreakson durable surfaceswell off the designatedrail so that the experience f othervisitorswill not be disturbed.Keep n mind that visits to seldom-used laces equirean extra commitmentto travelquietly and lightly on the land.When selectinga campsite,choosea site away from the trail and away fromother groups,where rocksor treeswill screen t from view. Keepnoisedownin camp so as not to disturb other campersor thosepassingby on the trail.Goofingoff and pulling pranksareundesirablesocial behaviorsand couldlead to seriousor fatal injuries. In addition, activities should fit the setting-savegame playing for the city park.Bright clothing and equipment,such as tents that can be seen or long dis-tances,are discouraged.Especially n open natural areas,colors such as day-glow yellow are disturbingand contributeto a crowded eeling. To essenvisual impacts,choosecolors hat blend with the environment.Keeppetsunder control at all times. Dogsdo not fit in the wildlife categoryand allowing petsto run freecan be unwelcome,because hey can frightenpeopleand eavebehindunwanted presents."Please coopup dog feces romcampsand trails and carry t to a trashcontainer.Someareasprohibit dogsorrequire hem to be on a leashat all times. Know and follow the rules of theland managlngagency.Leavegatesasyou found them, and leave he land undisturbed or othersto enjoy. Remember, ur open spaces nd wildlandsareprotected or all genera-tions. It is up to us to keep hem healthy,beautiful,and open o the public forrecreation, eflection,and revitalization!Enjoyand learn from historicalandarchaeologlcal ites,but respect hesesitesand treasures.Someof thesesitesaresacred o NativeAmericansor are mportant cultural remindersof our heritage.


30/99

TEAcHINcLEAvENoTRAcE

OuickConceptsOITICK AGTTVITIES TO IE/ACH LEATIE NO IRACEThe following activities are designed o providea quick introduction to partici-pants' connectednesso the natural world and the sevenLeaveNo Tfaceprin-ciples.Eachactivitycan be completedn about15 o 30minutesand may beadaptedo eitherhome or backcountry ituations.EachQuickConcept ctivity s divided nto threeparts:"GrabbingYourGroup'sAttention," "The Activity," and "TheDiscussion."t is very mportantto carefullyread he Backgroundon the Principlesof LeaveNo Tfacebeforeintroducing heseactivities.Grabbing Your Group's AttentionUse his time to set he stageor the activity andgenerate uriosity hroughoutthe group.The ActivityEncourage articipationand thought during the activity.Remember, uildingcritical thinking skills s more valuable han simply memorizingcorrectanswers.The DisqrssionUseyour knowledgeand experienceo helpyour audience nswerquestionsraisedby the activity.Guide, ather han dominate, he discussion. he quickconcepts over) Our Natural World) The SevenLeaveNo TfacePrinciples

@ llan Ahead and Prepare@ Tlavel and Campon DurableSurfaces@ Oispose f WasteProperly Pack t In, Pack t Ou|@ LeaveWhat You FindO Uinimize Campfire mpacts@ RespectWildlifeO e. Consideratef OtherVisitors


31/99

$ . ';j r '

Ouick Concept for Our Natural WorldGRABBTNG YOUR GROUP'S ATTENTTON (20 MTNUTES)Yourgroup v i l lbe g,o ingln . r na tLr rec . rvengt ' rr rn t .R. r thcrh . rn -o l lec t ingob iec ts ,hev v i l lbe i s t ing deas n 1 laper . ' f her rn t v i l l h t lp p . r r t i c ip , rn tsl i s -co\/erhor,v rt rch hev have n cort t rnon vith he n.,rt t rral, r ror ldrndhou, l rt 'na tura lwor ld n i l t rencesht i r s r r rv i v . r l .h i s . rc t i v i t v t ' t s h t ' s t . rgcor l t ' . r rn ingani.l .nrbracing.eaveNo ]t.rcc.Beg in he act i v i t l ' y conc luc t ingne o i the o l lo rv ing .l . An exct rrs iono.m otr tcloor t ' t t ing rrch s a p.trk,cAn\ 'on, ivt - r , u t l t 'st ' r ' t

An excursior . ro. ' rn. ' l tur.r l et t ing i . ' l r sl i t lcshon', olor photogr.rphs,0r posters

A nr ind 'xcursion vhc. re .rrt icip;rntsrn. rg int 'ht ' i r . l ,ori t t 'nJt r r rd l ct t ingA mind t 'xcursionvhe.re art icipants lose ht ir t ' \ 'es , lr i lcvorrdescri [ rt 'a natura l e t t in l i

ITIE ACTIVITYGivee. rchp.rrt icip.rnt . l iecr. f paper.rnt l r penci l .F{.rvc .rrt icip.rnls ' } . rkt -th reeco lLr rnns i th the he . rc l ings1 'h ingsin N. r tu re , " - l ' h ingsWe I I r r , t ' i l rContmon, " lnd "Horvl t He lpsMr . . "

H. rVe .rrt icip.-tntsbserve.heir r.nvironment hvsical lvi thev rrt ' orrtdoor s,or n ren ta l l vf thevare nc ioors . ' l ' hevr r rs t ind o l r iec tsr r r . r tL r r t ' J r r r ' lt ' l ln ,h . r tthey h. i v t ' i n :onrnronv i th . rchob iec t .Makcst r r t ' t he t ' c r , r t s i t l t ' rcss-not i cc . rb leth ings uchas a i r ,so i l , rndst rn .Here 's r r exanrp le :TTIE DISCUSSIONHavepart icipants h.rre ne or nroreof theirconnect iuns.lelp l l . r t ' rr. ro r l ist-ovt ' rthat hispersonal onnect ions u 'herr 'aconmitnrent o lart t l tervlrt lshi l tr t 'g i r ts.Land ster", . rrcis hi i rs thr.goalof l . t .avcNo' l l 'acr. . r. rt l inr ' torl ' t r-tnvhat ht ' r 'n, i l lbe le.rrning rbout ,e.rveNo Trace n tl ie future.

TREE

soIt

We both havean outer layer toprotectus (bark/skin).

We both contain minerals.

A tree givesme oxygen.

Soil helps growmy food.

Ants loosenthe soil.ANT

We both need shelter.


32/99


Ouick Concept for Plan Ahead and PrepareGRABBIIIG YOItn GROITP'SATIEIWION (15 MINUTS)Havea one-potmeal, or a varietyof one-potmeals,cookingoutdoorson abackpack tovewhen your grouparrives.Giveeachparticipanta copyof eachrecipeand describe ow you prepared achmeal. Provideeveryparticipantwith a tasteof eachdish.Alternate Plan for Grabbing Your Group's Attention (15 minutes)As an alternateactivity,beforeyour meeting, ind picturesor posters epictinga localor regionalenvironment highalpine,desert, iver). Youwill use hesepictures o serveasyour imaginarydestination.Breakparticipants nto small groupsof three o five when they arrive.Tellyour groupyou are aking them on an imaginaryhiking trip and askeachper-son o packa smallbackpackor your adventure.Don't tell the participantstheir imaginarydestination r what to bring. Build suspense y asking hemto guesshe destination f their imaginary rip.ffiEACrnnTrBreakyour group nto pairsand have hem) Create recipe or a simpleone-potmeal.) Make a list of all the ingredientshey would need o bring nto the back-country or this meal.) Describe ow they shouldpack hese ngredientso minimizegarbage.Alternate ActivityShow he destination ictures rom the alternate lan aboveand describe(weather,errain,etc.) he ocationyou haveselected. xplain he goalof thetrip: wildlife viewing or fishing.Ask the groups o unpack heir packsand dis-cuss heir answerso the followingquestions. o help facilitatediscussion,heleadermust read he Background n the Principles f LeaveNo Tface.) How well do the contentsof your pack properlyprepare ou for this trip?) How well do the contentsof your packensure our safety?) How well do the contentsof your packensure ou will leaveno trace-that you will not damagenatural or cultural resources?) Do the contentsof your packensure our trip will meetyour goal-forexample,wildlife viewing or fishing-safely and enjoyably?

Because articipants acked heir packswithout proper nformation, heywill probablybe inadequately repared or their destination. his activitydemonstrateshe mportanceof planningbeforepacking.


33/99

rEAcHrNc LEAvENo rRAcE

TIIE DISCUSSIONDiscusswhy planningand preparingor one-potmealson a backcountry rip iswiserthan planninga mealof cannedchili, canned ruit, and hot dogs.Refer othe Background n the Principles f LeaveNo Tlace or details o assist ou inthis discussion. oumay want to invite a guest rom an outdoorstoreor hikingclub to conduct he cookingdemonstrationf you lack experience.Discussion for the Alternate ActivityFollowing he alternate ctivity, acilitatea discussionwith all participantsabout he resultsof the activity.Ask eachgroup o briefly share ts answersothe abovequestions nd add:) How would the contentsof your packdiffer with differentdestinations?I What other nformationdo you need o pack properly or a trip?) What is the valueof knowing moreaboutyour destination nd the activitiesyou haveplannedbeforepacking?

Ouick Concept for Travel and Campon Durable SurfacesGRABBING YOttR GnOItp'S ATENTTON (10 MIlrlItES)Gatherparticipantsoutsidea home or in a park.Ask them why we constructsidewalks.Focus he resultingdiscussion n the need o providedurablesurfacesfor travelby manypeople.Explain hat concentrating ctivity on one durablesur-facecan helpprotect he surrounding and. Define he conceptof durability forthe group(seehe Background n thePrinciples f LeaveNo Tface).TIIE ACTryITYBreak he group nto pairsandgiveeachpair the following assignment:magineyou are ooking for durablesurfaces o travel over or set up camp.Find five differ-ent surfacesn the immediateareaand rate hem fromone to five for durability,onebeing he mostdurablesurfacearld five being he eastdurablesurface.Givethe groupapproximately to 10minutes o explore he area.


34/99

RAcf-

ITIE DISCUSSIONAsk thegroup o nameall the durablesurfaceshey can dentify.Be sure heyinclude ock,gravel, and,baresoil, irm snow,mostgrasses,nd existingrailsand campsites. henask hem o identifynon-durable urfaces. akesure heyinclude undra, iparianareas, quaticenvironments,ragileplants,muddyareas, pringmelt,and cryptobiotic rust theblackish rustwith livingmicroorganismshat s frequently ound n desert reas).Ouick Goncept or Disposeof WasteProperly(Pack t In, Pack It Out)Arrangementsor this activitymustbe madea weekor two in advance. ind alocation hat s litteredwith garbage-forexample, roadside, park,or a highschoolparking ot right afterschool.This activitycan alsobe conducted uringorganized leanup rojects ponsored y groups hat haveadopted oadseg-mentsor recreation ites. f you cannot ind or visit a litteredarea, imulatelitteredareaat or nearyourmeeting ite.Besure o pickup the itter at the endof this activity.GRABBTNG yotrR GRO[rp'S ATTENflON (20 MINT TES)Tiavel o the site.Have he participants bserve he itteredsite and record nwriting what they hink of this situation ndhow it makes hem eel.Presentparticipants ith garbage agsand challengehem o make he area ookmorepleasant.TIIE AGrIVIflBreak hegroup nto pairsand ssueplasticgarbage ags o eachpair.Haveacontest o seewho cancollect hemostgarbagen 5 to 10minutes. nstruct hegroup o use carewhen pickingup sharp, usty,or unsanitarywaste.You maywant to haveparticipants ring ight gloves or this activity.ffiE DISCUSSIONDiscuss hat itter sand he effects f litter n general.Discusshe effects flitter in the backcountry.Divideparticipantsnto pairsand haveeachpairdevisea plan for packingout garbage n the next trip. Discussffikandthereforeessof other bTiace for d

Note: A QuickConcepton sanitation(which falls under dispose f wasteprcperly) has not beendeveloped.However, he lesson n the Activity Planssection s short enough o be used as a QuickConcept.

litterN o r


35/99

TEACHING LEAVE NO TRACE

(hrick Concept for lcave What You findGnABBING YOITR GRO['P'S ATEIVTTON (15 MINITTEIS)Ask participantshow scientists now what dinosaursooked ike. (They ind fos-silsand reconstruct he skeletons.)t is important for scientists o find the piecesin their originalpositions(relative o one another)so that they can seehow thepieces it together.The same s true for cultural-human-made-artifacts.TIIE ASNT'ITTUse hreesimplepicturepuzzles.Break he puzzlesapart. n a yard,sandlot,or playglound, scatterall the piecesof one puzz\e n a small area. n anotherlocationscatterust two or threepieces, nd n another ocation eave ust onepiece.Split the group nto three eamsand haveone group at each ocationrecover he pieces.Ask the groups o try reconstructing heir puzzleor describethe picturebasedon the pieceshey have ound.M|E DISCUSSIONAsk eachgrouphow easy t was o reconstructhe puzzle.Discussthe following:) The mportance o scientists f finding ossilsor artifactswhere heywereoriginally deposited) The effectsof intentionalvandalismor theft of fossilsor artifacts) The effectsof unintentional mpacts (driving off-road,hobby collecting,campsite onstruction).Ask participantsf they can hink of other ways os-sils and artifactscan be lost or damaged.Discuss ow these esources an beviewed and enjoyedonsite without damage.Remind he group that on publiclands t is against he law to removeor destroy hese esources.Refer o theBackgroundon the Principlesof LeaveNo Tface or moredetails o helpstimulate his discussion.

Although this Quick ConceptdealSwith fossilsand artifacts, he principleleavewlnt you ftttd.applies o all things that should remainundisturbed nthe backcountry.Wildflowers,petrified rock, and nestsare examplesof otherdiscoveries o leave or others o enjoy.(hrick Goncept for Minimize Campfire ImpactsGRABBING YOITR GROITP'S ATIEIIITION (10 MINttrtS)Share his scenariowith the group.Imagineyou are camping n the mountains.The air is a bit chilly as the groupprepareshe eveningmeal.Youplan to build afire to cook hot dogsand heat cansof chili. The fire will also ake the chill out ofthe night air.As you begin o pile sticks nside he fire ring, a rangerapproachesyour groupand informsyou that there s a ban on fires because f dry weather.You will not be able o build a fire.TIIE AGTTYITTHow will your group solve his problem?What will you do aboutdinner?Howwill you dealwith the chilly air?How will not having a fire affectyour night-time activities?How could you have betterplanned his outing?


36/99

RAcE

MIE DISCUS$ONIt is recommended hat all visitors to naturalareasminimize their use of fires,evenwhen there s no fire ban. Createa plan for your next outing that does notinclude fires. You may want to discussdifferent ypes of food, food repackaging,and the valueof using ightweight oods nsteadof cannedgoods.Discuss hevalueof contacting and managers n advance o learn about ocal restrictions.Refer o the of"I*aveNo, for details o assistyour

Ouick Goncept orGRABBING YOI,R GROI'P'S ATTEIWTON (30 IIIUUITTES)Tfavel o a city park containingwildlife or a wildlife viewing area,or show pic-tures or slidesof wildlife. Ask the groupwhy loud noisesand quick movementsare stressful o wildlife. Ask if there areparticularly sensitive imes of the yearfor wildlife. Oncewildlife get food or garbageone time they will return formore. Eventually,wildlife becsmea nuisanceand sometimesendangerpeople.Uve-trappingwildlife and relocating hesecreatureso remoteareashas notbeenproveneffective-only about 15percentof relocatedbearssurviveafterbeing relocated.TI|EACTVTTTDemonstrate ow to properlyhanga bear bagand then let participantspracticehangingone.n|E DISCI'SSTONHave eachparticipantshareobservations n what can be done to minimizedisturbingwildlife and or wildlife habitat. Discuss he negativeeffects f theseprecautionswith wildlife are not observed.Discussways to view wildlife with-out harming creatures.Encourage he group to observewildlife from a distance(usingbinoculars) so the wildlife arenot scaredor forced o flee.Remind hemhow to preventwildlife from obtaining any human food and the importanceofsuch a guideline.


37/99

TEAcHrNcrrAvENorRAcE

0uick Goncept for BeConsiderateof Other VisltorsGnABBINGYOItn GROITP'STIEIUTTON20 mnrrs)Tell the group that while traveling along a trail, they will likely passother hikersand/or campeninear the trail. Ask what things theycan do to respect heseother campers.Also ask what else hey might do to show respect or others fthey were to pass ndividuals on horsebackor mountain bikes.TrEACrrVrrDivide the participants nto four small groups.Havegroup one sit down on thetrail and group two move off the trail where an adjoiningcampsite s located.Haveboth groupsbe somewhat oud and rowdy. Havegroup three sit quietlyjust off the trail on a hardenedarea(rockoutcrop or areadevoidof vegetation)and be very quiet. (Thisgroupmay alsowant to try to "blend in," avoidingdetection.)HaveSoup fOurpassalong the trail wheregroupsone and two arelocated.Oncegroup four has walked by those on or near the trail and observedthe actionsof thoseat the campsite,have he entiregroup meet at the campsite.TflE DISCI'S$ONHave he participantswho passedby those sitting in the middle of the trail andat the camp s(presshow they felt when they encountered hesegroups.Discusshow this event affected heir outdoorsexperience.Ask what they feel wouldimprove heir experience n the trail and at the campsite.Ask if the loud androwdy behaviorwould have had any additional mpact on mountain bikersorthoseon horseback. \


38/99

TEAcHINcLEAvENo rRAcE

Activity PlansDETAII.EI' AGTTVITIES FOR MEETINGS OR OIrnNGSThe following activityplansaredesignedo providedetailed eaching lue-prints for leaders.The activities ocus on our naturalworld and the sevenLeaveNo Tlaceprinciples.Eachactivityrequires 5 to 75 minutes o complete.Activity plansare composedof five parts:) What Your GroupWill Learn) Materialsand Preparation) GrabbingYour Group'sAttention) Steps or lbaching the Activity) WrappingUp the ActivityVUhatYour Group Will LearnEachactivity plan will include the objectives or the activity, alongwith a briefexplanationof the activity.Materials and PreparationA list of all requiredmaterids and preparationwill accompanyeachactivityplan.Grabbing Your Group's AttentionUse his time to setthe stage or the activity and generate uriosity throughoutthe group.Steps for Teaching the ActivityEachactivity plan includes step-by-stepnstructions or conducting he activityand stimulatingdiscussion.Wrapping Up the ActivityCloseeachactivitywith follow-upquestions nd thoughts o help summarizeand reflect on the activity.


39/99

TEAcHrNclEAnENorRAcE

Acttvity Ptan lor Our Natural WorldUnderstandtng Outdoor EthicsThis activity will take approximately45 minutes.WIIATYOUN GNOUP WII.L I.E/ARNThis activity plan will help fosterunderstandingof outdoorethics.After participating n this activity plan, which will set the stage or learningoutdoor ethics,group members will be able to) Describesimpleconnectionsbetween he plantsand animalsof an ecosystem.) Predictchanges o an ecosystemhat havebeencausedby human behavior.) feU how to choosebehaviors hat help protectnatural resources.

Group membdrswill play a gamethat will help them make connections othe natural world and understand how their behaviorscan affect nature. Usinga ball of string and cards that representplants and animals, group memberswill constmcta "web" of connectionsbetweenall li

\


40/99

TEAcHTNcLEAVENoTRAcE

I

IIATERIAIS AND PNEPARATIONMaterials) Cardsapproximately3" x 5"(numberof cards o be determinedby groupsize)) Holepunch) Approximately4 feet of yarn per person> 100 eet of thick string) Paperand pencil for eachperson) Symbols,pictures,or words to represent un, cleanwater,clean soil, and air) A copy of instructionsand scenariocardsPreparation) Read his entire activity plan and thoroughly review the Backgroundon thePrinciplesof LeaveNo Tlace.) Roll the 100 eetof string into a ball.) Prepare he alpineecosystem ardsas nstructed.) Photocopy he "scenarioCard" sheetat the end of this activity plan, lami-nate (optional), and cut alongdotted ines.Have scenariocardsavailablefor use by leader or by individuals.GnABBII|G YOttR GROITP'SATTENTION (5 MtrUtITES)Beforepeoplecan choose o LeaveNo Tlace n the backcountry they oftenneed o adoptreasons or caringfor our naturalworld. This activity plan willhelp participants dentify someof thosereasons.Ask participants o name someof the plantsand animals hey might find in backcountryor wildernessareas.s'fPs FoRTts/IGHING|EAcrrvrrr (20MII[Urs)Equate! Relate!-A Game of GonnectionsThis gamedemonstrateshe connectionor links betweenplantsand animalsin an alpinesettingand will help participantspredict the effectshuman impactshaveon thoseplantsand animalsof this ecosystem.Readand explain he "Equate!Relate!"game nstructionsbelow to the group,then play the game.The purposeof this game s to) Identify connectionsamongplants and animalsof an ecosystem.) Describehow human behaviorcan affectecosystems.

Participants hould assume he role of the plant or animal isted on theiralpine ecosystem ard.


41/99


AIpineEcosystemCardCategoriesPTANTSConifertreeOak treeWildflowerDoumed ogGrassMAMIVIALSMouseRabbitDeer

CoyoteINSECTSGrasshopperMosguitoAntFlvAMPHIBTANS/REPTILESSnakeFrogBIRDSJayWoodpeckerHawkOriole

Prepare the Alpine Ecosystem CardsWrite he names f the 19plantsandanimals isted n thecolumn o the eft onthe 3" x 5" cards, ne name o a card.Punchseveral oles n eachcardandattach arn ongenough o loop he cardover heparticipant's houlders. ivethe ball of string o onegroupmemberand explain o groupmembershat theyaregoing o playa gamecalled Equate!Relate!"Distribute ll of the cards. f yourgrouphas ewer han 19participants,somegroupmemberswill have wo cards. f yourgroup s arger han 19youwill need o addplantsandanimals o the ecosystem.omedeasnclude:berry,bear,coyote,hummingbird,grubworm.Haveeachgroupmember,ncluding he eader,oopa cardover he shoulders.In themiddleof the roomplace he symbols, ictures, r words hat representhesun, water,soil,and air.Gather hegroup n a circlearound heseobjects.Making Connections-A Ball of StringTheperson olding he ball of stringassumeshe roleof theplantor animalonhis or her cardand ooksaround he circle o find one otherplantor animalthat theholder's lantor animalneeds r that needs t to survive.Thispersondescribeshe connection ut oud, holdsa section f the stringwith one hand,and throws he ball with the other hand o that plant or animal. Forexample,the woodpecker as he ball of string,holds he end of thestring,and hrows tto the oak saying, l need he oak o provide nsectso eat."Theoak catchesthe ball, hangson to the string,and hrows he ball of string o the ant saying,"Theant needsme to find food. Theant catcheshe ball of string,hangson tothestring,and hrows he ball o the downed og saying, l need he downedlog for a home."Playgoesaround he circleuntil everyones holdinga sectionof the string.At no pointshouldanyoneet go of the string. n somecases nimals ndplantswill have eceivedhe ball of string more han onceand thereforewillhold more hanone section f string.Familiaritywith the Background rlthe Principles f LeaveNo Tiacewillnow help he eader uidea discussion. avegroupmembers bservehe webof connectionsheyhavemade.Discusswhat thewebdemonstratesboutcon-nectionsn an ecosystem,ncluding he humanconnection.Plants,nsects, nimals, nd humansowe heir existenceo one another.Insects ollinate lantsandprovide ood or smallanimals; lantsprovide oodand shelter or bothanimalsand humans.Plants lsohelp ilter water hat sthenstored n mountains, treams,akes, nd aquifers. hen onememberofthe webof life hasbeenaltered r is eliminated, ther iving hingsare nvari-ably affected.See he Background n the Principles f LeaveNo Tiace or moreabout he web of life.Haveeachgroupmember hink aboutone tem fromthe middleof theroom-sun, water, oil,air-and thendescribe ne connection e or shehasto this resource. orexample, he frogmight say, l need he water n whichto lay my eggs."


42/99

RAcE

Scenario Cards-Human Impacts on EoosystemsHave he eader, neotherperson,or four individuals eadone "Equate!Relate!"scenario ardat a time to the group.Have he groupdiscusshe ques-tion at the end of eachscenario.As you discuss achscenario, avepartici-pantsdrop their string o showhow an impact o onepart of the web affectsanotherpart.For example,f campers ick all the wildflowers n an area,whatelsewill disappear? ice?Coyotes?hoseholding he mouseor coyotecardwould drop their sections f string.

Note: This gamecan be playedusing plants and animals from more specificecosystems uchas a desert,subtropicd area,or river corridor.Cardsandscenariosshould be created accordingly.WRAPPTNGtPm|E Acrnnrr (15MINITTES)Tellyour campers hey aregreatproblem solvers.Theyknow how to have un in the outdoorswhile respectingheimportanceof all living things.How well has eachpersonlearned o protectnatural esources?) While still in a circle,haveparticipantssummarizewhat they have earned rom "Equate!Relate!") Haveparticipantsell onenew behavior heywillpracticehe next ime they campor hike.) Haveparticipants xplainhow their new behaviorwill support he natural esourcesplants,animals,soil,water).Congatulationson conductinga well-preparedmeet-ing for your group!


43/99

TEAcHINGLEAVENoTRAcE

A groupof peoplecampon the edgeof an untouchedmeadowbecause t is easy o watch wildlife. Theystayfor many daysand eavea new rock fire ring, largelog benches,and newly worn trails in and aroundthe camp.Ouestionso) How migltt thc sceneof this abandoned campsiteattran. nnre compers o thisarca?b) lf more camperccorte, tww miglx tlwir presmreaffed the meadnw'scommtrnityof life?Answersa) Peopleare oftenattracted o established ampsites.The remainsof the fire rings,benches,and trails willencouragemorepeople o camp here.b) If campinguse bgcomesoo heavy,someanimalswill be driven from the meadow.Note: A large-scale xampleof animal displacementcanbe seen n cities. How many wild animals ike to livenearpeople?The deermight want to drop the string.

Three&rmpersgo out for an afternoon hike. They eachreturn to camp with a handful of wildfloweni to give totheir leader.Ouestionsa) Why lwrild. ildfbwersecft n theirnntwal setting?b) How else m:ryllxlu campus share lwir bvefor wildfbwerc or the dcsire o presmt tlwir leoderwith a gift?Answersa) Wildflowersshouldbe kept in their naturalsettingas food for animals,so the flowerscan reseedhem-selves or the next growingseasonand to allow othervisitors he opportunity to view their beauty.Note: If wildflowers disappear, nimals n the web thatdependupon them are n trouble. They shoulddroptheir string.b) The camperscould take their leader o seethe flowers,or they could makea drawing to givetheir leader.

A leaderhasasked our youngcampers o collectwood.The campeniuse axes o hack at live trees.They alsopeeluee bark to help start their fire.Ouestionsa) Hout might theseactions nrmtlu trces?b) Wlwt altem.atives re tlrcre o cookingwith ftrc?c) Wlwt mtglX be somcnightttme activitiestltat couwrepLrce n anmingarcund.tltecampftre?Answersa) When bark is hackedor peeled rom a live tree, hetree s wounded.Woundsexpose rees o disease ndinsects hat couldharm or kill the tree.Note: The web will be affected f the treedies. Fore,xample,he woodpeckerwould drop the string.b) Campers an more easilycook using ightrveightstoves ather than campfires,or they can bring pre-pared oods.c) Learnabout the stars;use dark shapessurroundingthe campsite o stimulatestorytelling;go for a moon-light hike if the moon is bright.

I SGEIUAruO:WAIER! Vou havebeen hiking all day and stop n a campsite orI the night. As you are settingup you notice wo tentsI next to the stream.I oo"rtions

a) How wiV tlrcsecampas affed tlu animals tlnt usethis locaion at night to Kt tlvir water?b) Wlu1 if anything, mglx you do or say othesecampets?Angwersa) The animalsmight be too afraid to approach heriver for a drink. Also, campingso close o a streamcould causepollution from washwater and humanwasteentering he river.Note: Thoseanimals hat dependupon the stream ordrinking water shoulddrop their string.b) This is a difficult question o answer.How willyour group respond?

IIIIIttI

tIItT

SCENARIO:GAMPStrIES SCEIUAruO:IRETU(X)D

SCEIUAruO: ILDFLOWERS

L r r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - r - - r f - - - - - r - - - - - - - - - - r r r r - - - - r - r r r J


44/99

TEACHII\TGLEAVE NO TRACE

Activity Plan 1 for Plan Ahead and PrepareExploring Pretrip PlanningThis activity will takeapproximately65 minutes.WIIATYOITR GROITPWIII I'E/ARNAfter participating n this activity plan, which is designed o help participantslearn aboutbackcountry ravel, they will be able to) Identify at least hree easonswhy trip planning s important.) Describehe key elementsncluded n successful lanningand preparation.) Createa planning and preparationchecklist o use n making futuretraveldecisions.) Explainhow planning can help leaveno trace.

Groupmemberswill participate n threeactivities. AreYouReady?" emon-strateshe importanceof trip planning.Next, Will YouMakeIt?" reveals he keyelements o considerwhen trip planning.Finally,participantscreatea

"Planningand PreparationChecklist"asa focalpoint to wrap up the activity plan.MAEruAI.s AND PREPARATIONMaterials) Picturesdepictinga local or regionalenvironment (high alpine,desert, iver)for the "AreYouReady?"game.A collageof picturesworks well.) Onephotocopyof the 'Will YouMake It?" handout for eachparticipant.) Onephotocopyset of "Will You MakeIt?" travel cardsper groupof threetofive participants.See he end of this activityplan.)


45/99

Tn,AcnrucraAvErrornAcE

Preparation) Read he entire lessonplan and the Backgroundon the Principlesof kaveNo Tface horoughly.> Ask participantsto bring a backpackpackedfor a day hike to the meeting.(Don't reveala destinationor suggestcontents-orplain it is a practicaldril.)) Photocopyand laminate (optiond) handoutsand cards.) Cut the 'Will You MakeIt?" travel cards nto individual sets.) Forbest results,pick a meetingplace that allows smdl groupsto spreadout to work.) Considerpracticing the activities beforehand with family or friends.GRAEBTI|GOItncnoltp's ArrE$TIOlf (15uIIfurESlAreYouReady?Use AreYouReady?"o'get hegoupenergized.reak articipantsntogroupsof three to five. Explain that you aregoing on an imaginary day hike. Buildsuspenseby askingparticipants to guess he destination. Show the destinationpictures and describe(weather, errain, etc.) the location you haveselected.Explain the goal of the trip-for example, wildlife viewing or fishing. Ask theSoup to unpack their packsand discuss answers o the following questions.(The leader must read the questionsbelow to help facilitate discussion.)) How well do the contentsof your pack properly prepare you for this trip?) How well do the contents ensureyour safetySCheckfor proper clothing,maps,compass,small flashlight, water filter, first-aid kit, etc.) How well do the contentsensureyou will leave no fiace-that you will notdamagenatural resources?Checkfor stove, repackaged ood, cathole trowel,plastic ug for water,no hatchet,etc.) How well do the contentsensureyour trip will meetyour goal-for enample,wildlife viewing or fishing-safely and enjoyably?Check for binoculars,camera,bird book, etc.

Askthe smallgoups to briefly sharehe answerso the abovequestions.Key acilitator iscussionoints:) HowunuW lu rctmts of yow packdifferuttthdiffermt destirutioru?Theequipment, lothing,and oodchosenwouldchangeo suit theintended estination.> Wlwtotltn informntbndoyourud topackpropuly fora tnp?Thereareatleastselren lements escribedn theBackgroundn thePrinciples f LeaveNo Tface nd Will YouMake t?" handout.> Wlwt ts tlu valueof krwwing his nfomation before acktng?t helpsensurethe safetyof the traveler, elpsaccomplishrip godssafelyand enjoyably,and minimizesmpact o resources.

\

\

\


46/99

rtsAcnncr.EArrBxornAcE

$rrPsFon " n|E Acfrvlfr F0 lmrtEslWtll You Make It?This activitywill teachparticipants owto identifyerrentshatcan nterferewith a successfulrip. Theseare ed-life scenariosonEibutd by experiencedfieldrangerswhoseepoorlyprepared roups ufferbecausehey donotplanahead.Will YouMake t?"emphasizesheneed o plansolutionso potentialproblems eforc trip.Inslruc{fonsO uror ancntrend rclutlonr. Evenlydisfiibute he fiavelerrent ndsolutioncards.SomeSoup membersmay need o share ardsf thegoup is larger han15.Thegod is to haveparticipantsind thegloupmemberwith the correspon-ding went or solutioncardand orm a pair.The eadermaywantto use hekeyto ensure orrectpairing.O nm a pruccrtrdon. Onceall solutiorxrlrmatchedo the correspondingevents, aveeachpairplansomeway o teactr heplan-aheadoncept.Allowgroupmemberso be maginative. omedeas ncludepantomime, ctingout,lecture,and drawingO Cnn a prucntrdon. Haveeachpairuse heirchosen resentationmethodto teach heir concepto therestof thegroup.

Facilitateearning ydiscussinghe scenariosfter heyarepresented. akesureeacherrmt s discussed.mphasizehekey elements f rip planningpresentedn the Will You vlaket?' handoutand he Backgfoundn thePrinciplesofLnaveNo tace.fie these ey elementso the mportancef goodpreparation.


47/99

TEAcHTNGT.EAvEo rRAcE

Wil,tYOUMAI|ETfiI

Why Is Trip Planning Important?) It prepares ou to LeaveNo Tface.) It helpsensure he safetyof groupsand ndividuals.) It contributes o accomplishingrip goalsandhaving un.) It increases elf-confidencend opportunitiesfor learning.

Elements to Consider VUhenTrip PlanningO Identify he goals expectations)f your trip.O tdentify he skillsand ability evelsof trip participants.(D Select estinationso match he group'sgoals,skills,and abilities.() m advance, ainknowledgeof the areayou planto visit.(D Choose he properequipmentand clothing.@ plan trip activities o match he group'sgoals,skills,and abilities.O Eualuate our trip upon return-note needed hanges.


48/99

TEAcHTNc EAvENo rRAcE

I

Planning and Preparation ChecklistCreatea "Planningand PreparationChecklist"you can use o plan your nexttrip. Use he answers o thesequestions n creating he checklist.) Canyour group dentify at least hreereasonswhy trip planningis important?) Canyour groupdescribesevenkey elementsncluded n successful lanningand preparation "Will You MakeIt?" handout,Backgroundon the Principlesof LeaveNo TfaceX) Do solutions o planning elementschangedependingon the environmentvisited (i.e.,desertversushigh alpine areas)?Reflecton conversationhatresulted rom the imaginaryday hike to the desertand alpine environments.Congratulations n conductinga well-organizedmeeting or your group!WnAPPIITIGtP fl|E AgrrVITr e0 MIIUUIES)Yourgrouphasparticipated n three activities-one identifies he importanceoftrip planning, another dentifieskey elements o considerwhen planning a trip,and the third can be used asa tool for planning a trip. How well hasyour grouplearned he importanceof trip planning? f the group needsadditionalhelp, trytheseactivities.) Createnew eventand solution cardsasyou learn new LeaveNoT[aceconcepts.) Discuss hese opics.Ask participants

- If they have seen esourcedamage hat may have resulted rompoor planning- To recall safetyconcerns hey have experienced r witnessedas a

result of poor planning) Haveparticipantsshare he planning processwith their families and useit to plan a family vacation or birthday party.


49/99


BIJSTERSIYou havea nasty blister and can no longercarry your pack. Youarenot even sureyou can walk toyour campsite.

LJGHTnllMilA storm s quickly blowing into yourarea. Fromyour vantagepoint high on the trail youcan see ots of lightning. Youestimateyou haveaboutfive minutesbefore'thestorm reaches ou.

IIIt

PACI(WEIGHTIYourpack did not feel heavy whenyou left, but now you can hardly move. You'reso tiredyou would iust as soon sit right down and not wdkanotherstep!

STEEPTRAILI Your hike is 3 miles long and gains1,000 eetof elevation or every mile. This is steep.You must reachcamp beforedark. Everyone s walk-ntvery slowly because t is so steep.

IIIIII Tr lL r r - r r r r r r - - - r r r r r - - r - - - - r r - - - l

An adhesive elt-like material acts ike a secondskinand can be applied to the feet or other areasof humanskin to help prevent rubbing. Always cany this withyou, and olways break in new footwear beforc a trip.Encourageyour crew members o check 'hot spots"while you take a break. Changesocksfrequently,andkeepyour feetclean and dry.

Before ou eftonyourtrip, youresearchedafety.You ememberhat ightnings attractedo the highestpointand hat waterand metd conduct heelectricalcharge. oudescendromyourhigh vantatepoint,away rom he storm. f lightningoccursnearby,akeoff yourmetal ramepack,stayaway rom water,andchoose low spot n which o crouchaway rom hetallest rees. nsulate ourselfrom hegroundby sit-ting onyourpackor sleeping agandresting ourfeeton oneor the other.

tTITITtII

IIITIIII

tTTIIItI

- - - r r r - - r - - - - r r - - r r - - - - - - - - r r l

Tbobad. Your heavy pack made t impossible for youto hike cordortably, and you didn't have any fun. Youfind a campsite for the night, but you neyer made t toyour destination. fire weight of you pack should gener-dly be no more than a fourth of your body weight.Packyour backpackbfiorc you leave and weigh it ona scde. kave items behind if necessary.Some hings,like cook kits, can be sharcdby severalpeopleand thecontentsdivided irmong severalpacks.

Youbelieve n planning ahead.You ooked at a mapand tdked to the agency hat manages his trail, so youwere aware t was steep. Realizing hat peoplehike anaverate of 2 miles an hour on flat terrain, you figuredbackpacking at a rate of I mile per hour and added onehour for the thousand-foot elevationgain for a total offour hours. You haveplenty of time to reachcampbeforedark.

IIt - - - - - - - r r - r r r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - l

tIIIIIIJ

l 'L r - - r - - r r r r - - - - r r r r - - - - r r - - - - - - r r - r - - - - - - r r r - - - - - - - - r - - r r r r r r J

L - - r r r - - r r r t r - r - r - r r r - - r - r r r - - l - - - - - - - - - - - - - - r - r r - - r r - r r r r r r l


50/99

PRVAIE PROPERITYI ourgoup is wdking along atrail when suddenly in fro

leave no trace bsa guide

Documents