As outdoor enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to protect the places we love to explore. The Leave No Trace principles provide a framework for enjoying nature while minimising our impact. These seven principles should guide every outdoor adventure.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Proper planning prevents poor environmental outcomes:

• Know the regulations and special concerns for your area
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies
• Schedule trips to avoid high-use times
• Visit in small groups; split larger groups into smaller ones
• Repackage food to minimise waste
• Use a map and compass to reduce reliance on marking paint or cairns

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Protect fragile vegetation and soil:

• Walk on established trails and camp in designated areas
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy
• Keep camps at least 200 metres from lakes and streams
• In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent creating new trails
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

"Pack it in, pack it out" applies to everything:

• Pack out all rubbish, leftover food, and litter
• Deposit human waste in catholes 15-20cm deep, at least 60m from water
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
• Wash yourself and dishes 60m from water sources
• Scatter strained dishwater

4. Leave What You Find

Preserve the experience for others:

• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species
• Don't build structures, furniture, or dig trenches
• Examine but don't touch cultural or historical artefacts

5. Minimise Campfire Impacts

Fires can cause lasting damage:

• Use a lightweight stove for cooking
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings or mound fires
• Keep fires small using only sticks from the ground that break by hand
• Burn all wood to ash, put out completely, and scatter cool ashes
• Check and comply with fire restrictions and total fire bans

6. Respect Wildlife

We are visitors in their home:

• Observe wildlife from a distance; don't follow or approach them
• Never feed wildlife - it damages their health and alters behaviour
• Store food securely to protect wildlife and your supplies
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other users and protect the quality of their experience:

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience
• Be courteous and yield to others on the trail
• Take breaks away from trails and other visitors
• Let nature's sounds prevail - avoid loud voices and noises

Leave No Trace isn't just about rules - it's about developing an outdoor ethic based on respect for nature and other people. When we all do our part, the outdoors remains a place of wonder and adventure for everyone.