Leave no trace

As promised, here's a closer look at the Leave No Trace principles and what they mean. The first, plan ahead and prepare, seems pretty straightforward. But what should you plan and prepare? Boy Scouts, who adhere to the principles, are taught to find out about the area where they are hiking as well as about members of the group. Novice hikers will have a much different set of skills than experienced ones, so know what to expect out of the group so you can plan stops in designated areas instead of having to set up camp in a less-than-ideal site. Also, planning foods can help minimize what you'll have to carry as well as what trash will be left. The second principle, travel and camp on durable surfaces, means hikers should keep to established trails and use campsites that others have used. As one outdoors group states it, “The best campsites are found, not made.”