The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
What Are the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace?
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles offer easy-to-follow practices for anyone visiting the great outdoors. These apply to many recreational activities and aim to minimize the negative impact on our natural resources and our fellow campers and adventurers. These have been developed by leaders in outdoor education and management.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
It is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations and weather conditions of any campsite you intend to visit. Be prepared for extreme weather and for emergencies. Visit in smaller groups. And, transfer packaged food into reusable containers to minimize waste.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Durable surfaces for RV driving and parking include paved areas, gravel surfaces, and designated hard ground. Don’t be tempted to park in undesignated areas or within 200 feet of bodies of water. Remember to use your wheel chocks.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
The rule of thumb is if you bring it with you, take it with you. This is especially important for garbage and food waste. Use sanitary hookups, where available, to dispose of wastewater.
4. Leave What You Find
You will likely leave your RV to explore the natural environment. Leave plantings and rocks as you see them. Admire historical and cultural structures and artifacts without disturbing them. Photographs can chronicle your memories.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
If you can use camping lanterns rather than a fire, that is ideal. If fires are permitted, only use deadwood that is found on the ground. Once finished with the campfire, use water to make sure all of the embers and coals are out and no longer warm.
6. Respect Wildlife
Wildlife doesn’t necessarily want to interact with humans or their pets. Respect that by keeping your distance and not feeding them. Secure your food stores and keep your pets on a leash when outside.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
It is essential to be courteous and respectful to your fellow campers. The best way to do this is to minimize noise. Keep your entertainment systems inside the RV and lower your voice when in close proximity to another RV. While hiking, yield to faster-moving or physically challenged persons.
Bottom Line
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are in place to make your RV experience more enjoyable by respecting your natural surroundings. Our El Monte trained sales team can help you with cheap RVs for rent. They can direct you toward the appropriate rent an RV prices while also recommending how to interact appropriately while on the road and at a campsite.