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Leave No Trace

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It is important to not forget needed supplies in this environment, as illustrated in the photo. ... Try to restore a pristine site back to its normal condition ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Leave No Trace

1
Leave No Trace

Travel and Camp on
Durable Surfaces
Troop 175 Foster City CA

2
Purpose

The goal of backcountry travel is to move through
the backcountry while minimizing damage to the
land. Understanding the impact of travel on the
land is necessary to accomplish this goal. Damage
occurs when hikers trample surface vegetation or
communities of organisms beyond recovery. The
resulting barren area leads to the development of
undesirable trails and erosion.

3
Concentrate Activities in Heavily Used Areas

Use constructed trails that are commonly used
Use designated camping sites
When taking a break, use established areas
Dont go up hills to avoid switch-backs

4
Surface Durability

Rock, Sand, and Gravel These surfaces are highly
durable and can tolerate repeated trampling and
scuffing. However, lichens that grow on rocks are
vulnerable to repeated scuffing.

5
Surface Durability

Ice and Snow The effect of travel across these
surfaces is temporary, making them good choices
for travelassuming good safety precautions are
followed and the snow layer is of sufficient
depth and firmness to prevent vegetation damage.
It is important to not forget needed supplies in
this environment, as illustrated in the photo.

6
Surface Durability

Vegetation The best option when confronted by
vegetation on the trail is to avoid it entirely
as to minimize damage, but when this is not a
viable option, it is important to know which
types are better to hike on than not. Grasses
are the most durable and are the best option when
traveling across vegetation. Wet meadows and
forest herbs on the other hand are easily
affected when hiked upon.

7
Surface Durability

Cryptobiotic Crust Cryptobiotic crust, common in
the desert, are vital part of desert ecosystems.
While appearing to blackish splotches on the
desert floor, they are really tiny colonies of
micro-organisms that retain moisture. One foot
print on cryptobiotic crust destroys decades of
development, so this surface should be avoided
with extreme prejudice.

8
Surface Durability

Desert Puddles and Mud Holes. Water is a
preciously scarce resource for all living things
in the desert. Don't walk through desert puddles
or mud holes, or disturb surface water in any
way. Potholes are also home to tiny desert
animals.

9
Camping in High-Use Areas

Choosing a Site Avoid camping within 200 feet of
water and trails. This allows for people and
wildlife to pass undisturbed. Check all
regulations (if any) and allocate time to find a
site when planning a trip.
Setting up Camp The best sites are on naturally
vegetation free areas. When camping in popular
areas, camp on the most heavily affected areas.

10
Camping in Pristine Areas

Setting up Camp Make sure to disperse kitchens
and tents on durable surfaces, wear soft shoes,
minimize using the same routes in camp,
especially by the kitchen.
Breaking Camp Take time to bring the site back
to its former condition cover scuffed areas with
native foliage, brush out footprints, rake matted
grass with a stick.

11
Camping in Arid Lands

Minimizing Impact As with high-use areas, the
best sites are previously used ones. The best
alternative are rock, sand or gravel.
Cryptobiotic crust and vegetation should be
avoided. Even on such surfaces, the maximum
amount of nights spent in the area should be two.
When leaving, do not wipe away natural litter
and lichens. They help cushion hiking impact and
if disturbed, will take centuries to be restored

12
Camping in River Corridors

Camping in River Corridors River corridors are
narrow strips of land and water where there is
little room to disperse human activities. For
this reason, campsites are often designated. It
is generally best to camp on established sites
located on beaches, sandbars, or non-vegetated
sites below the high-water line.

13
Overview

Be aware of where you are hiking and take the
necessary steps to ensure the minimum effects on
the environment
When stopping, use previously established areas
Aim to camp on durable surfaces such as rock,
ice, gravel, sand, and snow

When met with vegetation, avoid wet meadows and
forest surfaces, aim for dry meadows
Avoid cryptobiotic crust at all cost, hike only
in others footprints
Dont walk through desert mud holes and puddles,
walk around them

14
Overview

Camp 200 feet away from trails and rivers
Set up camp in vegetation free areas
When in pristine areas, set up camp in durable
spots
Try to restore a pristine site back to its normal
condition after use

15
Jeopardy
Hiking Basics Durable Surfaces Camping Areas Random Stuff
100 100 100 100
200 200 200 200
300 300 300 300
400 400 400 400
500 500 500 500
16
Final Jeopardy

How Many Parts Of Leave No Trace Are There? (1
point)
Name Three Merit Badges That Include Leave No
Trace As A Requirement. (3 Points)
Name The Five Most Durable Surfaces. (5 Points)

17
Hiking Basics