Importance of LNT
All too often I see really stunning photos where the couple is off trail, standing on fallen trees, dancing around in Cryptobiotic soil, or throwing powder/plastic confetti that gets left behind. This is such a big problem that needs to be talked about more! So, let’s talk about how you can “LEAVE NO TRACE.”
One of the most amazing things about my job is taking my clients to some pretty beautiful places. But, many people aren’t familiar with LNT ethics so as your photographer and an outdoor lover, it’s my responsibility to educate my clients. I love educating my clients on following LNT ethics and taking care of the environment so that others can continue to enjoy it too!
Being Mindful of Different Ecosystems
LNT is so important for many different reasons and sure there’s the visual degradation aspect, but it’s actually so much more than that.
Some ecosystems can look dead and barren, like the desert for example. Because of this people don’t think much of walking off trail or trampling over what looks to be dead, brown vegetation. In reality, the desert is an incredibly delicate ecosystem that requires a careful balance to survive. Vegetation goes dormant in the summer to survive the scorching heat and lack of water. We need to be more mindful of the cryptobiotic soil crust that’s taken hundreds of years to develop to protect the soil from erosion by wind and water (I’m a huge crypto nerd and could talk about crypto for hours.)
Some places like the Redwoods, have species that are found no where else in the world and require fallen trees to create gaps in the tree canopy. This allows light to reach plants and younger trees on the forest floor. These then provide safety and shelter for smaller animals and insects as well as nutrients that are critical to new plants, mosses, lichens, and existing trees.
So How Can You Follow LNT?
1.) Plan Ahead & Prepare: Educate yourself on the ecosystem that you’re exploring. Some ecosystems require a little extra care and awareness when visiting.
2.) Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces: As a general rule of thumb, slick rock, soft sand, and established trails are safe to travel over via foot, bike, or car.
3.) Dispose of Waste Properly: Did you know that orange peels can take up to 2 years to decompose? If you pack it in make sure you pack it out; carrying a plastic bag or garbage bag clipped to your person with a carabiner ensures that you’ll always have a place to put your trash. And this should go without saying but if you see trash that isn’t yours, just pick it up. It may not be your trash but it’s our planet and we have a responsibility to take care of it.
4.) Leave What You Find: Wood and vegetation can look like a harmless souvenir to take home but they can spread pests to new environments and are a vital part of healthy ecosystems.
5.) Minimize Campfire Impacts: Did you know almost 85% of fires are caused by humans? This one should go without saying especially in places where there’s high fire risks. If you must have a campfire, make sure it’s in a pre-established fire ring and that it’s cold to the touch after you put it out. While a fire may appear to be extinguished, hot coals and ash can stay hot for hours blowing into surrounding trees and plants to start wildfires.
6.) Respect Wildlife: DO NOT feed the wildlife. As adorable as some animals are, feeding them causes them to rely on humans for food and encourages them to to approach humans when they’re hungry. Some frequently fed animals become aggressive and go after humans in hopes they’ll be fed. It’s heartbreaking to know that animals can be euthanized due to humans deciding to feed them.
7.) Be Considerate of other visitors: We all want to get “the shot” but popular locations like Taft Point in Yosemite can become crowded quickly. Just be patient and wait your turn if you’re wanting a specific shot. The scenery isn’t going anywhere and waiting a few minutes isn’t the end of the world. Amplified music on busy trails and crowded places is pretty inconsiderate. While it may help set the mood for your party, it may be ruining someone else’s experience and scaring wildlife in the surrounding areas.
Following these simple rules ensures the long term health of our ecosystems so that others can enjoy these places too. We’re already seeing more restrictions and obstacles in popular locations due to not respecting the land or following LNT ethics.
We can do better. Following these 7 simple LNT principles ensures the long term health of these ecosystems and preserves our ability to utilize these wild places.
This planet belongs to all of us and we each have a responsibility to take care of it. After all, this is the only planet we’ve got.
Additional Resources
- More Information on Leaving No Trace
- Want me to be your Photographer? Inquire HERE!
