LEAVE NO TRACE OUTDOORS ETHICS

We follow the Leave No Trace philosophy.

We strive to meet the principles

of this organization and the ethics of this philosophy on each of our outings. Such principles and ethics also help other visitors enjoy their outings.

To act in accordance with the principles and ethics of this movement, we must leave no apparent or hidden trace of our passing once we have left a site.

Plan ahead and prepare
* Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
* Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
* Schedule your trip to avoid peak periods.
* Split large groups into groups of 4-6.
* Repackage food to minimize waste.
* Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint or flagging.

Use durable surfaces
* Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
* Protect riparian areas by camping at least 70 metres from lakes and streams.
* Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
* In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
* In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places that have been recently used.

Dispose of Waste Properly
* You brought it in; you bring it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or leftover foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
* Deposit solid human waste in holes dug 15 to 20 centimetres deep at least 70 metres from water, campsites, and trails. Cover and disguise the hole when finished.
* Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
* To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 70 metres away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Filter dirty water before scattering it.

Preserve the environment
* Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
* Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
* Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
* Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts
* Campfires can scar the land. Use a small gas 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. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
* Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

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.
* Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
* Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
* Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
* Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
* Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering horseback riders.
* Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
* Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

For more information, visit: www.sanstrace.ca