Leave no trace

Question 1

What are the 7 leave no trace principles?

Answer 1

1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Respect other hosts and visitors.
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find.
5. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
6. Minimise camp fire impact
7. Respect wildlife

Question 2

What does the principle plan ahead and prepare imply?

Answer 2

• Consider personal and group goals
• Gather local information, communicating expections, technical skills, first aid knowledge and equipment
• Chose appropriate location for group and allow time to travel and camp

Question 3

What does the principle travel and camp on durable surfaces imply?

Answer 3

• Be conscious of where stepping
• Do not step on young vegetation and trees
• Camp on soil/sand
• Trampling causes vegetation damage and soil erosion

Question 4

What does the principle dispose of waste properly imply?

Answer 4

• Clean up before you leave
• Inspect campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spilled food
• Pack out all rubbish, kitchen waste and left over food.

Question 5

What does the principle leave what you find imply?

Answer 5

• Leave nothing but footprints, taking nothing but photos
• Do not remove anything
• Do not bring home rocks and shells
• Leave for other visitors to enjoy

Question 6

What does the principle minimise campfire impact imply?

Answer 6

• Consider if fire will damage the environment
• Use existing fire rings
• Only use fallen wood (avoid cutting)
• Gather wood away from camp
• Replace soil
• Pack out campfire litter

Question 7

What does the principle respect wildlife imply?

Answer 7

• Travel quietly
• Do not feed them
• Do not touch them or pick them up
• Observe from afar
• Ensure when washing you are not polluting a habitat

Question 8

What does the principle be considerate of other visitors imply?

Answer 8

• Do not create excessive noise
• Do not bring uncontrolled pets
• Move off path for others
• Take breaks on durable surfaces

Question 9

What was the initial idea behind leave no trace?

Answer 9

The idea behind leave no trace principles is to leave nature as unchanged by our presence as possible so future generations can enjoy it and keep the wilderness wild.