How to Leave No Trace when you are out in Nature
Have you heard of the Leave No Trace principles before? These are seven principles that challenge those who spend time in the outdoors to minimise their impact on the environment.
LNT are only words though without proper implementation by outdoor goers. It is important that people a) know what they are and b) work at putting them into practice when travelling outdoors.
I want to take the time to run through the seven principles of Leave no Trace so that when you are travelling in the wilderness in New Zealand or somewhere else in the world, you have the knowledge to tread carefully and not contribute to environmental degradation.
ONE - PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
The more you plan ahead - the more prepared you will be and the less likely you will recklessly just go out in nature and harm the environment, either intentionally or unintentionally. Knowing the terrain you are going to be traversing, and the trails and paths you need to follow - will reduce the chance of going off track and potentially harming the environment. It is also important to research whether or not there are bins present - as you may need to pack in, pack out, the toilet situation and whether or not there is a current fire ban in the area.
I know that people often want to be all about carpe diem and spontaneousness, but the more planning you do, the more prepared you will be for your wilderness experience.
Some questions to ask yourself before you set out
Have you got all the required gear?
Have you checked the weather forecast?
Do you know the route you are taking? Have you got adequate maps, compass etc.
Check out the different regulations/restrictions in the area
TWO - TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE GROUND
In order to minimise the impact you have on plants and wildlife, it is important to stick to the formed trails when possible. Do not go off the path. There are fragile plants and animals off the formed paths and stomping all through this ecosystem can have a negative impact. Furthermore, when you make your own path, more and more people after you may follow the same path thinking it is a formed pathway, preventing flora from growing back in that area. If there are no formed tracks in the area you are exploring, make sure to avoid fragile ground such as soft plants, stream edges, muddy sites, and fragile soil layers.
When setting up camp, look for spots that are already well used - on grass, on soil, find a site that lacks vegetation - such as a sandy area, camp away from the trail and away from water sources.
THREE - DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
You have likely heard the concept of pack in, pack out. Basically, what you bring on your walk or time in nature, you need to bring pack out with you. Often there are no rubbish bins in conservation areas, so it is important that you have thought ahead on how you are going to pack out your waste.
Do not use shampoo and soap in waterways - as this is harmful to the ecosystem.
Use a toilet when possible, if not possible, you need to research how to properly dispose of your poop.
FOUR - LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
You may see something gorgeous in the wild, be it a flower or a shell or a leaf, but it is important that you leave this in the wild. One, because it is part of the ecosystem. Two, if everyone had this mindset - nature would be pretty bare with everyone taking everything home with them. The wanderer who is down the path from you will want to experience that special moment of seeing a flower in bloom or a mushroom fruiting, so share that wonder of discovery with others. And do not be a selfish prat.
Also, do not mark trees or stack rocks - this is nature vandalism.
FIVE - MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF FIRE
A fire that is out of control can have a devastating impact. It can become a wildfire and destroy entire ecosystems and kill thousands of animals. Fire is no joke. Make sure you research whether or not there is a fire ban in the area or if a permit is needed. When you have a fire, do not leave it unattended.
Also - be mindful about the wood you are collecting for the fire. Do not take wood from live trees - look for deadwood on the ground. Do not burn rubbish.
Pack a camp stove with you when possible - so there is no need to start a fire. Some huts in New Zealand even have cooking facilities.
SIX - RESPECT WILDLIFE AND FARM ANIMALS
When you are outside, you are sharing space with wild animals. It is important that you show respect to wildlife. This means giving them space and not getting too close. If you notice that the animal is changing its behaviour because you are trying to get near, it means you are too close and you need to back away. Never feed wild animals, this makes them dependent on humans and also changes their behaviour - it can also attract predators, such as rats. Marvel at wildlife, and take photos but never compromise the animal’s safety and comfort for that photo.
SEVEN - BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS
Believe it or not, when you venture into nature you won’t be the only one. Many other people will be out possibly at the same time as you, so it is important that you are considerate to them so they can also have a magical nature experience. This means - please no boom boxes blasting music while hiking, wear headphones, if you are passing through private land - leave gates as you found them, leave huts as you found them, and basically be a good person. Do to others, as you would like them to do to you.
Thanks for reading guys, and if you want to learn more about the Leave No Trace Principles, check out this website.