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Leave No Trace: Simple Steps to Protect Our Public Lands

What is Leave No Trace and Why Does It Matter?

Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of outdoor ethics designed to help people minimize their impact on nature. Whether you’re off-roading, hiking, or camping, following LNT principles keeps our public lands beautiful and accessible for future generations.

At Mud and Mission, we believe adventure and responsibility go hand in hand. With more people hitting the trails, it’s more important than ever to practice good outdoor etiquette—because no one wants to see their favorite campsite closed due to reckless behavior (or wake up to a raccoon stealing their snacks). The good news? Responsible recreation isn’t complicated. A few simple steps can make a big impact.

1️⃣ Stay on Designated Trails & Campsites

Straying from designated trails may seem harmless, but it can cause soil erosion, destroy vegetation, and disrupt wildlife habitats.

How to Minimize Your Impact:

  • Stick to established trails and campsites.

  • Use maps and apps like OnX Offroad, or AllTrails to navigate approved routes.

  • Walk single file in the center of trails to avoid widening them.

  • Off-roaders should avoid making new tracks or bypassing obstacles—if a trail is too tough, turn around.

  • The U.S. Forest Service emphasizes that staying on designated trails protects fragile ecosystems and keeps routes open.

2️⃣ Pack It In, Pack It Out – Trash & Waste Management

No one likes a littered trail. Even small trash items harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems.

Best Practices:

  • Carry a dedicated trash bag and pack out everything you bring.

  • Pick up litter, even if it’s not yours—good karma goes a long way.

  • Properly dispose of human waste—use wag bags, dig cat holes (6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources), or bring a portable toilet.

  • Avoid leaving food scraps, which attract wildlife and disrupt natural feeding behaviors.

  • The Forest Service urges proper trash disposal to prevent wildlife from becoming dependent on human food.

3️⃣ Camp Responsibly & Respect Fire Safety

Camping is an incredible way to experience nature, but careless choices can cause long-term damage.

How to Camp with Care:

  • Use established campsites whenever possible.

  • Keep campsites small and on durable surfaces.

  • Use existing fire rings, and check local fire regulations before starting a fire.

  • Respect fire bans and fully extinguish all fires. "If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave."

  • Keep noise levels down—your neighbors didn’t sign up for a front-row seat to your off-key karaoke.

4️⃣ Water Crossings & Muddy Trails – Do It Right

Improper water crossings and muddy trail use can lead to erosion, habitat destruction, and pollution of water sources.

Best Practices:

  • Cross only at designated spots and move slowly to minimize impact.

  • Avoid hiking or driving in muddy areas to prevent deep ruts and footprints.

  • Never wash gear or vehicles in natural water sources—use biodegradable soap away from lakes and streams.

  • If a trail is too wet or unstable, wait for better conditions instead of causing damage.

  • Forest Service Tip: Driving around mud holes widens trails and damages vegetation—go through them or turn back.

5️⃣ Respect Wildlife & Other Trail Users

We share the outdoors with wildlife and fellow adventurers. Respecting both ensures that everyone can enjoy nature safely.

How to Be a Good Steward:

  • Keep a safe distance from wildlife—no, that bison doesn’t want a selfie.

  • Yield to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders on the trail. Off-roaders should slow down and pass carefully.

  • Keep music and voices at a reasonable level—nature’s soundtrack beats any speaker.

  • The Forest Service warns that disturbing wildlife can lead to trail closures and human-wildlife conflicts.

Keeping the Outdoors Open for Future Generations

Following Leave No Trace helps protect public lands, ensuring they remain open for future adventurers. Small actions add up, and responsible recreation means thinking about the long-term health of our wild spaces.

How to Make a Lasting Impact:

  • Join trail cleanups and stewardship projects—Mud and Mission hosts cleanups, so get involved!

  • Support conservation groups like Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly!, and local land trusts.

  • Educate others and lead by example.

  • Advocate for funding and policies that support outdoor conservation.

Let’s Keep Nature Wild—Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, and Explore Responsibly!

At Mud and Mission, we believe in adventure with a purpose. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or off-roading, we all share the responsibility of protecting the outdoors. Let’s work together to leave our favorite places better than we found them.

🔗 Share your responsible outdoor adventures with us! Tag @MudandMission on Instagram & Facebook.

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