LEAVE NO TRACE
IN MOUNTAINEER
COUNTRY, WV
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What is Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the outdoors through science-based education that inspires responsible recreation. With outdoor travel at an all-time high, Visit Mountaineer Country is taking initiative to educate our local school children to have the knowledge and tools to enjoy nature while minimizing their impact.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
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TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
Stick to established trails and campsites to minimize the impact you’re making. Walk in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
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Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Carry all trash, dog waste, leftover food, and litter with you, and place it in a trash can before leaving the park. Help keep our park systems litter-free!
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Leave What You Find
Our region is rich in natural and cultural resources. Examine these discoveries, take photos, and leave them in the same place for other visitors to enjoy.
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Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can have significant environmental effects. Research the rules for the area you’re visiting and follow guidelines to minimize your impact. Keep fires small and when you are done douse them with water until the ashes are cool to the touch.
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Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow, feed, or approach them. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators.
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Be Considerate of Others
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous, yield to other users on the trail, take breaks, and camp away from trails and other visitors.
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What is Visit Mountaineer Country CVB Doing to Help?
The Visit Mountaineer Country CVB Youth Education Program is dedicated to teaching thousands of 5th-grade students across 18 schools in three counties the importance of Leave No Trace (LNT) principles each year. Students learn about the 7 Principles of LNT and apply them to their daily lives.
In 2024, VMCCVB team members Stella Hehnly and Kathryn Carter were honored with the opportunity to present at the Leave No Trace Global Summit in Colorado. During their 30-minute session, they shared insights and outcomes from the LNT workshops they conducted in 5th-grade classrooms throughout Mountaineer Country and how other regions around the world could replicate their success.
Students have participated in the Leave No Trace education program
Every student leaves the VMC training certified as a Youth Outdoor Steward and is encouraged to practice Leave No Trace and share what they’ve learned with their friends and family.Â
Watch, listen and learn about how Visit Mountaineer Country is sharing Leave No Trace in the region.
Need help remembering the 7 principles?
Our team took a trip to Coopers Rock State Forest to show what the seven principles of Leave No Trace look like in practice! This short video should help you remember these seven easy steps to be a good steward of the environment.Â