Many of us have heard about the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Following the Leave No Trace principles is a good way to leave our cherished national forests, wilderness areas and other public lands as we found them for the enjoyment of others and future generations.  

But can you name all seven? Bill Betz, a longtime board member of the Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance, summarized the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in seven great “f” words for easy recall. Read on to learn the seven Leave No Trace principles and their corresponding words:

1. Future: Plan ahead and prepare: Understand in advance how strenuous your trip will be. Research miles, elevation gain and average time on AllTrails or another trail app.  Remember, mountain miles take longer and the air is thinner. Check the weather — it can change quickly in the mountains. Bring adequate food, water and clothing. Know the regulations, including the dog leash requirements in wilderness areas, designed to protect you, your pup, wildlife and others.
2. Footing: Travel and camp on hard surfaces: Stay on established trails even when muddy/snowy or, better yet, seek dry trails. Use adequate footwear. Camp on bare or already disturbed areas at least 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails. Avoid places where impacts are only minimal.  Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is unnecessary.
3. Filth: Dispose of waste properly. If you pack it in, pack it out. Deposit solid human waste and toilet paper in catholes dug 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camps, and trails. Even better, use a wag bag and carry it out. Bag and carry out dog waste. For washing, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Don’t wash dishes in lakes or streams.
4. Flora: Leave what you find. Leave rocks, plants and other natural or historic objects as you find them. Don’t pick wildflowers. Leave them for others to enjoy. Don’t build trenches or structures. Clean the soles of your boots or shoes before starting, so you don’t track in invasive weeds.
5. Fire: Minimize campfire impacts. Campfires cause lasting impacts on the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. In wilderness areas, no fires are allowed above 11,000 feet, within 100 feet of streams or trails, or within a quarter-mile of lakes. Use established fire rings where fires are permitted. Keep fires small. Use only sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash. Make sure your campfire is out and cold to the touch.
6. Fauna: Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance. Don’t follow or approach. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Control your pets at all times or leave them at home. In wilderness areas, all dogs must always be on a physical hand-held leash less than six feet long. 
7. Friends: Be considerate of others. Respect others. Protect their experience. Be courteous. Keep dogs under control at all times. The leash rule in wilderness areas applies always, even when camping. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises. No portable speakers, please.

Future, footing, filth, flora, fuel, fauna and friends. Let’s all remember and follow these seven good “f’s.” Turn memorizing these into a game for kids and friends. Help preserve our public lands for wildlife, and for the enjoyment of all, now and into the future.  

Mike Browning is a volunteer wilderness ranger for the U.S. Forest Service and the Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance.