Leave No Trace

We encourage everyone to do their part in respecting the North Woods by following the Leave No Trace Principles. Every action has an impact on the space around us, and you can help!  

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Planning your visit ahead of time will help you have a smooth and easy trip. Some important things to consider before starting your trip are:

  • Know the rules for the area you’ll be visiting. In the North Woods, prohibited activities include camping and fires.
  • Prepare for weather.
  • Scheduling your trip.

Travel on Durable Surfaces

Outdoor travel can impact natural areas like the land, foliage, waterways and more. Be considerate of the forest to help reduce your impacts. 

  • Walk single file in the middle of a trail, even when wet or muddy. 
  • Follow the posted maps and stay on established trails

Dispose of Waste Properly

Disposing of waste properly is one of the easiest ways to help the North Woods stay healthy and beautiful.

  • Pack it in, pack it out.
  • Bring baggies to collect waste from dogs.
  • Dispose of all trash in proper receptacles outside the North Woods.

Leave What You Find

Though it is tempting to bring souvenirs back from nature, each item we find its place in the environment. Leaving items helps preserve the ecosystem and the story of the landscape.

  • Preserve the past: observe cultural or historic structures and artifacts, but do not touch them. This includes pieces of glass and metal; old bottles; and other things left behind by people who once lived here.
  • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Do not build structures, furniture, or trenches. 

Respect Wildlife

Remember that you are sharing natural spaces with other living beings. We are guests in the North Woods, and it provides a home to many different species.

  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
  • Never feed animals. Feeding them can damage their health, expose them to predators and alter their natural behaviors.
  • Dogs in the North Woods should always be on-leash and on-trail.
  • Do not approach wildlife near their breeding or nesting areas. Be mindful not to approach animals with their young.

Be Considerate of Others

Maintaining courtesy towards others helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience. Loud noises, uncontrolled pets, and damaged surroundings can detract from peoples experiences with nature.

  • Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.
  • Be courteous and share the trails with others.
  • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud noises, and always use headphones to listen to music.

This resource was adapted from the Leave No Trace Seven Principles © 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org. More information can be found on the National Parks Service’s Leave No Trace Page.