Leave No Trace Education

As an outdoor recreation Guide and a facilitator of Visitor Services I feel I have a responsibility to our environment (and my backyard) to pass on the message of “Leave No Trace”. That is to say that when I am Guiding groups I adhere to these principles and when I am talking with Visitors I am trying to encourage this behaviour and respect for the places they experience.

On a recent overnight Canoeing expedition guiding up the Shoalhaven Gorge, I encountered a disgusting display of total disregard for place and for the people who would visit next. The previous occupants of this camp site had left the area in an absolute mess. Everything from cigarette butts to broken glass, plastic rubbish and remains of fish carcasses, to faeces and toilet paper strewn all over the riverbank. I was absolutely appalled and extremely saddened that someone would think this is acceptable behaviour! (and left me to clean it up). Our bushland and waterways have suffered so much after the recent fires and floods. Our activity operators are just getting back on their feet after state wide COVID closures and our damaged sections of National Park are just opening up again, so to think that someone actually thinks this is OK and behaves like this using these pristine and fragile areas makes me down right angry.

Most people out there are enjoying the environment, doing the right thing and caring for country. In the current COVID climate and with changes to travel habits however, there has been an explosion of people getting into camping and exploring into more remote places. With so many people new to life in the outdoors, now is the right time for tourism media campaigns to incorporate and emphasize a reminder of the 7 Leave No Trace principles into its marketing. We all want to promote our amazing destinations but we also need (and have the industry avenues to) educate those less experienced about how to treat our environment and manage their presence in these beautiful places so they are respected, cared for, left as untouched as possible and most of all kept open and accessible for the future.

Here is a little recap………..

1. Plan ahead and prepare – It is important that you have a plan, let someone know where you are going and are well equipped for the conditions, even if it is a last minute decision to go bush. Research the area and any particular restrictions/rules or requirements to travel in the region.

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces – If you are camping in an area that has raised platforms or designated sites then use them. Try to camp on dry grasses, sand, rock outcrops, gravel and leave the soft fragile soil areas alone.

3. Dispose of waste properly – THIS IS THE BIG ONE! – EVERYTHING YOU BRING IN WITH YOU MUST BE TAKEN OUT! Don’t bury or burn rubbish, Zip lock bags and heavy duty garbage bags are cheap. There is no excuse for leaving rubbish behind. When washing up use biodegradable products. And now the subject people don’t like to talk about ….. When you need to go to the toilet in the bush BURY YOUR WASTE! Take a trowel or use a stick or rock … Dig a hole away from water sources, campsites and the trail, that is roughly 20cm deep. Cover the hole properly once you are done and it is best practice to take a Ziplock bag and carry your toilet paper out with you to dispose of later. With so many people out there using these spaces, it is up to each and everyone of us to keep these areas pristine!

4. Leave what you find – Whilst it is tempting to take that souvenir rock or feather with you as a memento you should not remove anything from the environment.

5. Minimise campfire impacts – Only light a fire if it is permitted. Know the fire rating for the place and date you plan to visit. Where possible bring your own firewood to leave potential habits in place. Use the same areas that have been previously used to prevent more scaring or disperse your fire remains. ALWAYS, ALWAYS ENSURE YOUR FIRE IS COMPLETELY OUT AND MADE WET BEFORE LEAVEING THE AREA!

6. Respect wildlife – Be respectful, keep your distance, and don’t leave food out.

7. Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors – This one is really simple. Be considerate, share your space respectfully, and keep your noise to a minimum so we can all enjoy the peace and tranquillity together!