For decades, Leave No Trace ethics have been instrumental in minimizing human impact on wilderness areas. Though founded in the U.S., this is also practiced in Australia, Ireland, and Canada.
The seven basic rules:
1. Be prepared- less likely to make choices that harm the environment
2. Do not camp where you will damage surroundings
3. Dispose of waste properly- solid, excreted waste is to be kept away from water sources and placed in a cat hole
4. Do not take things as souvenirs
5. Hide evidence of campfires
6. Let the wildlife be
7. Share the outdoors respectfully with others
Sign me up. I’m onboard, except for that last little part of number three. As a dog owner, this one gets to me a bit.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll move my dogs’ waste away from water or heavily trafficked areas. I am not, however, digging holes for them. (Wouldn’t it be something if you could train this?)
No other animals that I am aware of have to follow this rule. I’m not convinced that dogs should be an isolated exception.
In many backpacking circles this is a fiercely debate topic. It ranges from those extremists who pack out all excreted waste (even fluids!) to those who disregard these principles completely since “leaving no trace” in the woods is impossible.
I am in the middle of the spectrum, and hope that some nature deity will grant me forgiveness for not digging holes for my dogs.
More detailed info on LNT ethics can be found at the Leave No Trace Website
