When you hit the trail, it is important for you to take care of the land you travel on so that the next travelers can enjoy it just as you did.
Here's a short "story": You go on a hike in the forest and witness an old stone chimney made up of many small stones. As a traveler, you want a special memento to remember this trip, you decide to take out a rock. Now, for every ten travelers that come by and take a rock, the old chimney slowly becomes more and more unstable and eventually collapses. When you come back some time in the future to show the chimney to your children, you find just a pile of rocks.
The Leave No Trace Principles are designed to ensure every generation gets to enjoy the same world as previous generations. There are 7 Principles:
1) Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the rules for where you're going, prepare for weather hazards, try not to go on high frequency times (esp. holidays), travel in small groups (if possible)
2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: In short, if there is a pre-established path or camping area, use it.
3) Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, Pack it out. This may not only apply to normal trash, but also bodily waste depending on the location
4) Leave What you Find: Remember the story from above, protect the environment, ensure future generations get to enjoy the land as you have.
5) Minimize Campfire Impacts: Only build a fire as large as is necessary. For an "unnecessary" fire, follow the 1'x1'x1' rule.
6) Respect Wildlife: You are in nature's home, not yours, respect the land and creatures that live there.
7) Be Considerate of Others: Keep your voices low, if you are going to relax, step just out of view of the trail, keep any animals with you under control, ensure other travelers get to enjoy the world just as much as you have enjoyed it.
Learn more at the official LNT website: http://lnt.org/
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