Urban Ethics

Good morning!

Yesterday, my coworker Catherine and I met with Denver Parks and Recreation. They are interested in incorporating Leave No Trace district wide into their Ranger Program. These urban Park Rangers patrol acres of green space attached to schools, neighborhoods and commercial areas. Needless to say, there is a lot of recreation and visitation happening.

Urban green spaces present their own unique set of human created impacts and issues. We've been asked many times if Leave No Trace has ever created or adapted the seven principles for a more urban environment. I've seen a few examples but would love to hear what you think! Here are the current backcountry and frontcountry principles (representing both Wilderness and day-use areas):

How would you adapt these even further? Or would you?

Plan Ahead and Prepare or Know Before You Go
Travel and Camp On Durable Surfaces or Choose the Right Path
Dispose of Waste Properly or Trash Your Trash
Leave What You Find or Leave it as you Find It
Minimize Campfire Impacts or Be Careful with Fire
Respect Wildlife or Keep Wildlife Wild
Be Considerate of Other Visitors or Share the Trail