1. NCAC Outdoor Ethics Advocate Chairman
Rush Williamson
PATC Scout Liaison
NCAC Outdoor Ethics Advocate Chairman
Introduction
I only have 10 minutes so will not get into the specifics of LNT. An Awareness class is 1 – 4 hours, Trainers Class 48 hours and a Master Educator is 5 days.

2. LNT IN A NUT Shell
“Leave No Trace is an education program that combines knowledge and judgment with ethical responsibility. It is a program designed to expand the understanding of how we can enjoy the out-of-doors while protecting the natural areas and experiences we cherish. Your group can do its part by learning more about the program and practicing LNT when ever they recreate outdoors.”
BSA was one of the original “corporate” Board members. Now there is a LNT advancement requirement for 2nd & 1st Class. National Council has decreed very Council will have an Outdoor Ethics Advocate/Committee , LNT will taught in Leader Training, and there is a LNT Eagle Leadership position w/ a restricted patch.

3. Why A LNT Briefing? Scouts have recently gotten very bad press!
The vandalism in Goblin Valley State Park, Utah.
A number of incidents along the Appalachian Trail involving Scouts.
The vandalism in Goblin Valley State Park Utah, underscores both the ongoing challenge facing lands enjoyed for recreation in the U.S., and the increasing need for outdoor enthusiasts to learn about and practice Leave No Trace.
As the Scout Liaison for PATC and a Volunteer at ATC I am called when there are Scout related issues along the Appalachian Trail. This Spring there was an incident that reached the highest levels on the ATNP and ATC to include the AT Chief Law Enforcement Ranger.
Couple of years ago there were over 100 Scouts at an AT shelter, to include tents by the spring, live trees being cut down, and car campers at the shelter site.
With my PATC, ATC, and LNT associations I get it from three sides.

4. AT LNT Practices PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
“Check Appalachian Trail (A.T.) guidebooks and maps for guidance and note that camping regulations vary considerably along the Trail.”
“Travel in groups of 10 or fewer. If you are traveling in a group of more than 5, avoid using shelters, leaving them for lone hikers and smaller groups.”
Plan Ahead and Prepare the most important of the seven principals. Boys Scouts can get away with 12 because that is the Philmont Crew size – HOWEVER not in Shenandoah National Park – 10 is the max size! For back country camping i.e. trail camping, you need a Backcountry Permit, which is free.
“Poor Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance” P6

5. General Regulation Guidance
Hunting Seasons on the Appalachian Trail
Va, MD & Pa OCT – May (except on Sundays)
Shenandoah NP: No Hunting, Max Crew Size – 10, need FREE Backcountry Permit
Maryland: No Camping except at designated sites, Fires only in official fire rings (Metal) except for Pogo Primitive Campground.
Hunting: Regulations are different in different area – some hunters have to be 100 ft off trail, others they can hunt on the trail, some areas they can walk on the trail.

6. Helpful Hints
Have Unit Leaders enroll in LNT Trainer Course or Awareness Work Shop
Do not have two Crews “meet” and camp together
Check with local land management agencies, regarding permits, group size, and area-specific regulations

7. For More Information AT Conservancy www.appalachiantrail.org/LNT
LNT Center for Outdoor Ethics
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
Shenandoah NP
MD Dept of Natural Resources