Environmentally Conscious No Trace Camping

Posted by Camp Trainer on Jan 13, 2009 in Featured, Tips and Strategies • No comments • 88 views

As hiking has become more popular worldwide, it has had an impact on the environment. In some cases, the landscape has been scarred from overuse, and water sources have been contaminated. Some common sense precautions can help ensure that your stay leaves no trace.

The basic concept of “leave no trace” is quite simple - leave things as pristine as you found them, if not a little better. Areas of particular concern are sanitation, hygiene, and campsite degradation. Overuse of fires is also damaging, especially in regions where wood is very scarce.

Being Environmentally Conscious
In order to make the least impact on the environment, read about your destination in advance. Find out which times of year attract the most tourists, and consider whether hiking in a nearby area would offer the same terrain and a similar experience without the crowds.

Visit in a small group, so that you have a minimal impact on the environment. When walking, stay on the trail - in particular, do not cut switchbacks, as this leads to erosion. On marshy or boggy ground, try to stay in the middle of the trail, rather than edging around it, because this can cause the trail to widen into an unsightly bog. Always pitch your tent on a firm, stable surface.

Find out what the regulations are, especially rules about permits and fires. Always obey campfire regulations, use stoves rather than campfires to cook on, and avoid making fires in fragile regions such as deserts and alpine tundra. Do not make fires in arid climates where high winds are blowing. Take away everything that you have brought in, including all your garbage - any hidden garbage will be found by animals and be scattered around the area.

Avoid bringing home cultural souvenirs such as ancient arrowheads, pottery shards, or other items you might find. Such archaelogical remains should be left for others to enjoy or study. The remote area you are visiting is home to a community of animals, so avoid camping on game trails, or close to water sources used by them (especially in an arid area).

Cleaning Up A Campsite
Areas that are popular with campers can deteriorate. Try to leave each site cleaner than you found it and carry out all your litter. If you made a fire ring, replace the grass sod and restore the area to its original condition. If you used an existing fire ring, clean out any garbage, be sure no food remains on the ground, and leave the area around the fire ring tidy.

Keeping Water Clean
Keeping yourself clean without polluting the environment can be a challenge on a long hike.

Use biodegradable soap
Take advantage of natural baths - streams and lakes - but do not bathe in springs from which others will draw water. Try not to swallow any water just in case it is contaminated.
When using a soap, carry water away from the source in a container and use it to wash, so that soap does not enter the source. Scatter used wash water over a large area for minimal impact.

Latrines and Sanitation
A few simple procedures can help to preserve an area’s cleanliness.

When traveling in small groups, each member of the party should dig a small hole about 15cm (6 inches) deep with their toilet trowel. The hole can be re-covered with dirt once it has been used. Site the hole at least 90m (295 ft) from any water source.
Larger groups can share a latrine. Dig a deep pit out of view, at least 90m (295 ft) from a water source, and downwind from the tents. Screen it with some vegetation to provide privacy. Scatter earth into it after each use to avoid bad smells, which attract flies.
Soiled personal hygiene products should be stored in sealed ziplocking bags and taken away when you leave, or burned on site.