Caring for Maine’s Natural Spaces
WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL SANDS
Maine’s outdoor spaces are literally national treasures. The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument hosts about 40,000 visitors each year, and Acadia National Park welcomes an average of 3.5 million visitors per year — which equals a lot of human contact with Maine’s natural wonders. Because it’s so important to preserve Maine’s outdoor spaces, Leave No Trace is a principle for all of us to practice. The basic concept of Leave No Trace is to leave the natural spaces we visit as they were before we got there — or better. This involves disposing of all trash, picking up belongings, sticking to designated areas, respecting the wildlife, and ensuring the landscape is not unnecessarily disturbed.
Elise Goplerud is the Education Coordinator for Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters, and she emphasized that one of the most important first steps of Leave No Trace is to plan ahead and prepare.
“Good planning helps you follow all other principles which ensures a safer, more enjoyable trip,” Goplerud said. “With the right preparation and knowledge, you can stay on trails, pack out waste properly, respect wildlife, and avoid emergencies that could harm fragile ecosystems.”
To help plan ahead, it’s important to keep the seven principles of Leave No Trace in mind. According to Acadia National Park’s website, these are the principles critical to the Leave No Trace ethic.
1. Know before you go. Be prepared with maps of where you plan to go and designated areas. This also helps you prepare for the kinds of clothing and shoes best suited for the terrain, as well as the amount of food and water you will need.
2. Stick to designated areas while you’re there. It’s important to respect signage and to stay in designated areas for hiking and camping. In addition to avoiding areas protected for wildlife, it’s important to avoid private property. When hiking, do not trample flowers and plants beyond what is necessary to walk on the marked trails.
3. Pick up the trash and the poop.Pick up every piece of trash, peels, crumbs, and more after snacks or picnics. When you leave an area, give it one more check before you go to ensure you haven’t missed anything. It’s also important to bring bags to pick up your dog’s poop and drop it in a garbage can. Do not leave it on the side of the trail. As for humans — use toilet facilities when possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails, according to the National Park Service. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
4. Leave it as you find it. Leave plants, rocks, and any historical items exactly as you found them. Do not carve or damage trees or plants in any way. You want the landscape to be like you were never there after you leave.
5. Careful with fire. Fires should only be built in designated areas; use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Firewood should be bought from a local vendor, as wood should not be brought in from more than 50 miles of your destination. After a fire, be sure it is completely out before leaving the area. Obviously, fires can wreak havoc on a habitat.
6. Keep wildlife wild. Do not approach wildlife. It’s important to keep your distance, and you should never share your food with the wildlife, even though that may be tempting. Human food can be unhealthy and unsafe, and feeding the wildlife can start some bad habits.
7. Be considerate and manage your pet. Be considerate of all animals — including the human ones. Listen to nature instead of loud music, so others can enjoy the peace and quiet. Share the trails and roads respectfully, and always keep your pets on a leash that is no longer than six feet.
According to Goplerud, “By following Leave No Trace, we protect the beauty and integrity of the wild places we love to visit, allowing others — now and in the future — to enjoy these special places.”
