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If you have spent any extended period of time outdoors, you have likely heard some iteration of the phrase: "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."
While the origin of this popular motto is unknown, it is frequently used by outdoor enthusiasts, environmentalists, and land conservation groups alike as a method of limiting human impact on natural spaces. This simple expression has led to the development of campaigns and organizations dedicated to preserving our favorite outdoor recreation spaces. The most famous of these organizations is Leave No Trace (LNT).
LNT began as an eco-justice movement in the mid-20th century, with avid outdoorsmen encouraging like-minded individuals to be conscious of their actions when camping, backpacking, or biking outdoors. During this time, ways to better respect nature typically spread by word of mouth and by holding explorers accountable for their unethical practices. As time marched on, however, the number of people recreating outdoors (especially in the backcountry) began to skyrocket.
Trails and tenting sites were suddenly tourist hotspots. The amount of foot traffic on popular trails increased exponentially, which unfortunately means more trash being left behind, more "curiosity trails" being formed, and a sudden lack of peace and tranquility.
While great for local economies, the influx of foot traffic boded terribly for the quality and sacredness of the land being tread. Outdoor enthusiasts quickly realized that a different plan of action would be needed to curb the negative impact of human interference in natural spaces. That plan would have to extend far beyond just encouraging people to not litter or pick wildflowers.
In response, LNT developed "The 7 Principles." These guidelines provide the basic framework for minimum impact practices in any outdoor setting - whether you are "off the grid" or in your backyard. The 7 Principles were specifically designed by environmental scientists who have conducted scholarly research regarding the implications of unmitigated human interactions with nature. While the principles are ever-changing with scientific discovery, they have remained relatively unchanged for quite some time.
When exploring outdoors, LNT encourages you to 1. plan ahead and prepare, 2. travel and camp on durable surfaces, 3. dispose of waste properly, 4. leave what you find, 5. minimize campfire impacts, 6. respect wildlife, and 7. be considerate of others.
Pretty simple. These seven rules are the guidelines for simply being a decent person when recreating outdoors. While some of these principles seem to be common sense, like disposing of waste properly and leaving what you find, others have proven to be much more complicated to enforce, and subsequently much more harmful to our environment.
For instance, what does it mean to travel and camp on durable surfaces? Simply, when there is a trail to your destination, you should stay within its confines. If you see a "shortcut" that has been paved by some outdoor rebel, be sure to avoid it. Walking off the trail can damage vegetation or widen the trail, which can be detrimental to the quality of soil and land in an area.
It may seem silly, but hundreds of trails have been closed to the public due to natural disasters, mostly in the form of erosion, due to off-trail foot traffic.
Case in point, Dead River Falls is a popular hiking destination for those visiting the Marquette area. The mile-long trail to a handful of gushing waterfalls used to be a haven for area locals that knew of its existence. As its popularity grew, and crowds of people started hiking and camping in the area, the little slice of heaven devolved into an ecological nightmare.
Unmitaged foot traffic, traveling off-trail, poor campsite selection, and a variety of other factors have left Dead River Falls unmaintainable and washed out. Erosion has left the trail unrecognizable, which has made navigating the area much more complicated - and even harmful in some instances. The washout of the path has left hikers to scramble over roots and slippery slopes to reach their destination.
And considering this hike is on the edge of a cliff, hidden pockets in the soil due to ecological deterioration can prove to be incredibly dangerous.
The state of Dead River Falls is so bad that it is no longer being advertised on area maps and tour guides. Local environmentalists hope that by sending fewer people to the area, nature will eventually restore itself. Despite the encouragement by local officials to steer clear of the rapidly decaying trail, curious explorers continue to make the dangerous trek for one reason or another - which leaves future access to the beautiful space unknown.
The story of Dead River Falls is why I heavily encourage people to follow The 7 Principles of LNT, especially traveling and camping on durable surfaces. To clarify, you can walk off the trail to find some privacy when nature calls. But when doing so, be sure to walk on surfaces like rock, sand, and gravel. Avoid trampling vegetation or walking through puddles unless necessary.
While I am all for letting curiosity take over while exploring nature, it is important to do so in an ethical way. One cannot recreate outdoors without simultaneously being a steward of the land. The two activities are not mutually exclusive. If you would like to continue enjoying nature, you must respect and take care of it.
Suppose we respect the land by walking on designated and durable trails, picking up trash, and utilizing designated fire rings. In that case, we can pass on the joy we experience while outdoors to the next seven generations.
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Andie Balenger is a native of Gladstone and is currently attending Northern Michigan University. Her column focuses on college life and runs Thursdays in the Daily Press.