Leave NoTrace - Worth The Effort

The importance of these six Leave No Trace principles is increasingly apparent when you consider the combined effects of thousands of backcountry campers at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Please read and follow these principles. Discuss them with your camping companions.

Plan Ahead and Prepare-

Proper trip planning and preparation helps you achieve trip goals safely and enjoyably while minimizing damage to natural and cultural resources. Poorly prepared campers, confronted with unexpected situations, often resort to high-impact solutions that degrade the outdoors or put themselves at risk.

* Acquire maps or equipment, know the regulations and special safety concerns for the area prior to your visit.

* Visit the backcountry in small groups.

* Avoid popular areas during times of high use.

* Choose equipment and clothing in subdued colors.

* Repackage food into reusable containers. Leave glass at home.

* Leave radios and boom boxes at home.

Camp and travel on durable surfaces-

Damage to land occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. The resulting barren area leads to soil erosion on trails, streambanks, and campsites.

* Stay on designated trails. Walk in single file in the middle of the path.

* Do not cut switchbacks.

* Use only established, numbered campsites.

* Restrict activities to the area where vegetation is compacted or absent.

* Wear lightshoes in camp to reduce impact on the campsite.

Pack it in, pack it out-

Trash and litter detract from an area's naturalness and attracts animals. There is no reason why you cannot carry out of the backcountry the extra materials which you carried in.

* Pack everything that you bring into wild country back out with you.

* Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations securely on food storage poles provided.

* Pick up all spilled foods. Leftover food should be packed out.

* Do not burn trash in campfires.

Properly dispose of what you can't pack out-

Backcountry users create body waste and waste water which requires proper disposal. Prevent contamination of natural water sources by following these simple guidelines.

* Deposit human waste in catholes dug four to six inches deep at least 100 feet from water, camp, or trails. Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Cover and disguise cathole when finished.

* Use toilets provided at Chapel and Mosquito Campgrounds.

* To wash yourself or dishes, carry water 100 feet away from streams or lakes, and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Dispose of washwater in a small sump - similar to a cathole, 6-8 inches deep. Cover when done.

* Inspect your campsite for trash and evidence of your stay. Pack out all trash - yours and others.

* Deposit toothpaste in sump or use a spray method.

Leave what you find-

Allow others a sense of discovery; leave the natural and historical scene as you find it.

* Treat our natural and cultural heritage with respect. Leave plants, rocks, and historical artifacts as you find them.

* Do not alter sites by building structures or furniture. Do not dig trenches or scar trees with nails.

* Keep your voice and other noise levels low - leave radios and boom boxes at home.

* Leave beachstones and driftwood for others to enjoy.

Minimize use and impact of fires-

The naturalness of many areas has been degraded by overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood. Try camping without a campfire during your trip to the Lakeshore.

* Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry by depleting wood resources and may pose wildfire danger.

* Always carry a lightweight stove for cooking. Enjoy a candle lantern instead of a fire.

* Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings only.

* Gather sticks no larger than an adult's wrist.

* Do not snap branches off live or dead standing trees.

* Put out campfires completely.

For information and materials on Leave No Trace, visit their web site at http://www.lnt.org

Last revised 07/10/02