Most boaters enjoy this vocation because they are able to visit many pristine marine environments. Protecting these natural areas is required to insure future boating access is safeguarded. One way to assure this outcome is to adopt practices developed through the Leave No Trace Program.
Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
Leave No Trace (LNT) began as an educational program developed by the Forest Service to minimize the negative effects of people traveling in the wilderness and other backcountry areas. Working with four United States agencies, the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service; the Outdoor Leadership School helped found the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to revitalize the program.
The Leave No Trace Program uses a framework of seven guiding principles to reduce environmental impact by visitors to the backcountry. These guidelines are just as applicable to boaters transiting the marine environment and going ashore in remote areas.
Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
- Plan Ahead and Prepare – Proper preparedness is key to boating safety and greatly helps assure any trip taken is an enjoyable experience. Verify land ownership and regulations that apply to the area being visited. Pack gear appropriate to terrain that will be encountered onshore.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Taking a break ashore for lunch is an honored tradition among many boaters. Many boaters camp onshore during a trip to pursue other outdoor activities like hiking or fly fishing. Choose a lunch or campsite that is located in a place that minimizes damage to the environment. A gravel bar or established campsite are examples.
- Dispose of Waste Properly – Follow the time-honored axiom, “Pack it in – Pack it Out". Trash and leftover wastes need to be brought home after a trip. Dispose of human waste in a proper manner by depositing it into catholes that are six to eight inches deep and two hundred feet from water. Leave areas visited cleaner than when they were found.
- Leave What You Find – Many coastal regions are rich in natural and cultural history. Many historic and cultural sites are found ashore in remote areas. Enjoy and appreciate these sites, but only take home photographs of them.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts – Campfires can cause damage to the environment. When possible, consider using the stove onboard or a camp stove. Use existing fire rings when able. Minimize the size of a campfire and use smaller sizes of fuel. Be sure a campfire is totally out before leaving.
- Respect Wildlife – Boaters enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities that many other people will never experience. Maintain respectful distances from wildlife. Remember marine mammals are protected from harassment by federal law. Keep pets under control at all times or leave them at home.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Share the outdoors with others, but be considerate of other visitors. If there is no reason for it, don’t anchor right next to another boat. Avoid loud noises or activities that will disturb other people or wildlife.
These are just a few suggestions for being more environmentally responsible outdoors. Consider taking a Leave No Trace class through one of the Leave No Trace Center partner organizations, which include many federal and state natural resource management agencies.
GOG101
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
