What is the most important aspect of each Leave No Trace principle?

Repackage food to minimize waste.

Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you visit.

Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.

Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Stick to durable surfaces which include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.

Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.

Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.

Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

Pack it in, pack it out. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.

Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails.

Pack out toilet paper.

To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap

Scatter strained dishwater.

Urinate on a durable surface 100 feet away form water, trails and campsites.

Pack out hygiene products.

Examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Do not build rock structures or camp furniture.

Do not leave your mark on trees, rocks, structures, or other surfaces.

Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.

Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires

Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.

Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

Never feed animals.

Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

Yield to other users on the trail.

Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.

Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.

Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.