Leave No Trace - Now More Than Ever

In the seven years I've been with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, I've provided outreach, education and training to thousands of people all across the U.S. and in many countries around the globe. While on the road, I'm constantly reminded of just how many people are supporters or practitioners of Leave No Trace - a great thing. Particularly when you consider that there are hundreds of millions of recreationists who regularly enjoy all the outdoor opportunities this country has to offer.

Last week I had the opportunity to present to a group of forty river rafting company owners and guides in Oregon about Leave No Trace. All were part of the Headwaters Institute, an organization with a mission to provide education that inspires individuals and communities to care for and connect with their watershed. They were all very supportive of Leave No Trace and in many ways, it was like preaching to the choir. This week, I'm at the American Camp Association conference in Tennessee, and again, I'm interacting with people who are supportive of Leave No Trace. Many of the ACA conference participants are deeply involved in the Leave No Trace program and are actively teaching kids about Leave No Trace. Both of these great organizations are partners of Leave No Trace and actively promote outdoor ethics.

What I keep seeing is more and more support for Leave No Trace from all those who enjoy the out of doors. Now more than ever, Leave No Trace is gaining momentum and educating more people than we ever thought possible. Together we can make a significant difference for the responsible use and active stewardship of our shared outdoor resources. It's not what you did yesterday, it's what you're doing tomorrow.