The Seven LNT Principles 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – Bob Smith II Presenter 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Leave What You Find 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

The Importance of Prior Planning Helps ensure the safety of groups and Individuals Reduces the likelihood of needed search and rescue Prepares users out-of-doors to LNT and minimize damages Contributes to fun and enjoyable experiences Increases self confidence and learning opportunities Poor Planning often results in miserable campers and damage to natural and cultural resources

8 Elements to Consider when Planning 1. ID and record the goals (expectations) of your trip. 2. ID the skills and abilities of the participants. 3. Select destinations that match goals, skills and abilities. 4. Seek info about your area from managers, map & web. 5. Check the weather patterns and weather forecasts. 6. Take the right gear. 7. Axes and saws are NOT needed. 8. Plan your activities around the groups skills / abilities

Other Considerations Remember the elements: WEATHER, WEATHER, WEATHER TERRAIN -- PERMITS, RESTRICTIONS & REGs Hiking Speed of the Groups LEAST Capable Member (ME) ANTICIPATED FOOD CONSUMPTION GROUP SIZE ALL LEAVE NO PRINCIPLES

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare  Poor camping & hiking skills that unnecessarily impact natural resources or degrade the experiences of other visitors. Problem:  Soap in streams  Expansion of campsites  Campfire impacts  Creation of new trails

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare  Leaders and participants can learn, apply, and teach Leave No Trace skills and ethics. Solution: Workshops, Trainer, & Master courses Information & Training

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare  Large group sizes that are noisy and crowd out other visitors. Problem:  Displacement of others at popular sites  Noise  Crowding  Conflicts

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare  Obtain sufficient leadership to travel and camp in smaller groups, even when there aren’t group size limits. Solution:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare  Use of equipment that unnecessarily increase resource impacts. Problem: Do you really need an axe or saw?

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare  Select equipment that facilitates Leave No Trace practices. Solution:  Use backpacking stoves for cooking  Bring a trowel to dig cat-holes  Bring a piece of screen to strain dishwater  Use a candle lantern instead of a campfire

 Better planning leads to safer trips and lighter packs  Prevents avoidable impacts, minimizes unavoidable impacts  Protects the quality of natural environments and recreation experiences Benefits of Applying LNT  Avoids or minimizes the need for restrictive management regulations or use limitations

REMEMBER TO PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE AND BE PREPARED REMEMBER TO PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE AND BE PREPARED Happy trails and remember to... Happy trails and remember to... Leave No Trace !