The Seven Principles of “Leave No Trace”
With camping reservations of many of B.C.’s provincial parks now open for 2023, it seems fitting to put out these nature tips to reduce our impact in our beautiful mountains and parks.
And with Golden Ears Provincial Park right on the doorstep of our current development – Edge3 on Brown Ave. – I think you’ll want to keep these nature guidelines for all your outdoor Maple Ridge adventures.
PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
Always find out the rules, regulations and special concerns for the area you plan to visit. For your own safety, prepare for hazards and extreme weather. Never assume there will be no emergency. Schedule your trip so you can avoid high use times. Small groups are best when possible – consider splitting up your large group. Take a map or a compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
A good durable surface would include established trails and campsites, rock areas, gravel, dry grasses and snow. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes, streams and rivers. Good campsites are found, not made.
DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
“Pack it in – Pack it out” Be sure to inspect your campsite or rest area for trash and spilled foods. Take your trash, leftover foods and litter with you when you leave. For washing yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from the streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
It’s best not to touch cultural or historical things. Preserving the past is the mission in that. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects where and as you found them.
MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
Campfires can have lasting impacts to our backcountry. Best to use a lightweight stove for cooking. When you do have a fire, burn the wood down to ash, put out your campfire completely and then scatter the cooled ashes.
RESPECT WILDLIFE
We all know this – Do Not Feed Wildlife. Observe them from a good distance and be sure to control your pets, or leave them at home.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
Yield to others on the trails. Take your break and make your camp away from other visitors. Avoid loud noises and voices – be courteous. Let’s protect the quality of everyone’s visit to nature.
For more great information, resources and videos on this subject – go to leavenotrace.ca
For more information on Edge3 – go to edge3living.com – or call 604.475.1172.