From its inception, Outward Bound Wilderness has led the way in educating people about low-impact backcountry travel and helping them appreciate the earth's limited natural resources.  Many of the early guidelines for campers, hikers, and backpackers used and recommended by the US Forest Service and National Park Service originated in Outward Bound Wilderness instructor manuals.

     Today, all students are trained in Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics. Students are also introduced to the concept of environmental stewardship: an acceptance of personal responsibility for maintaining the health and beauty of the natural environment. 

     By living a simple, self-reliant, low-impact lifestyle in the wilderness, you have the opportunity to analyze firsthand the effect of human activities upon the environment and upon other users of the wilderness.

     We hope that you are inspired to deepen your ties with nature and appreciate the value of preserving wilderness lands for future generations.

    

Leave No Trace Principles

 

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the area and what to expect

• Select appropriate equipment

• Repackage food

 

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Hike on durable surfaces and spread out

• Keep group size small

• Select durable ground

• Use trails where they exist

• Avoid fragile vegetation

• Avoid places where impact is just beginning

• Choose a shelter site with a small slope

 

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Minimize soap and food residues in waste water

• Use soap sparingly when needed

• Pack out trash

• Dispose of human waste in catholes or outhouses

 

Leave What You Find

• Minimize site alterations

• Avoid damaging live trees and plants

• Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts

 

Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Be aware of fire regulations and weather conditions

• Use only dead and downed wood if there is not a supply of driftwood

• In high-use areas, use existing fire rings

• In remote areas, use appropriate Leave No Trace® fire techniques

 

Respect Wildlife

• Enjoy wildlife from a distance

• Never feed wildlife

• Store food securely

• Minimize noise

• Avoid sensitive habitat

 

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Avoid conflicts

• Minimize crowding

• Manage your pet

• Respect the privacy of other visitors

• Let nature's sounds prevail

 

 

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Resources:

Hampton, Bruce & Cole, David, Soft Paths

NOLS, Leave No Trace Northeast Mountains

 

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