[PHOTO: A clean, unmarred trail… or some LNT-aproved signage?]
https://vtgc.smugmug.com/Leave-no-Trace/Leave-no-Trace (reach out to Chloe at GMC for some GMC LNT signage)
Leave No Trace is an educational framework, developed by an organization of the same name, used to deter destructive or inappropriate behaviors in natural areas that have a negative effect on communities, wildlife, and the environment. The framework prioritizes seven principles that trail users can adopt to protect the natural areas they visit:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
American Trails has an online overview of Leave No Trace that explains the framework from science to application.
Local Ambassadors
Many of Vermont’s trail organizations are Leave No Trace community partners who are deeply invested in the seven principles and follow the organization’s guidelines to develop signage, inclusive practices, and more.
Get Trained
Leave No Trace holds educational workshops in Vermont and online to help local instructors and trail users employ its seven principles in our parks and protected areas.
- A summary of what LNT is and why it’s important for trail orgs to promote and abide by
- They hold trainings in state – invite readers to attend one; we will keep tabs on what there is and post to our enews and website
- Many trail organizations in VT are ambassadors for them (e.g. GMC)
- Their education and support goes far beyond ‘pick up after yourself’ to include best practices in signage, some DEI stuff, etc.
- Links to any American Trails presentation https://www.americantrails.org/resources/leave-no-trace
- Consider becoming a LNK ambassador
