Keeping Pace with "Leave No Trace":

1. "d." U.S. Forest Service policy limits group size to no more than 10 in official wilderness areas; some hikers voluntarily observe this limit for all backcountry travel. Smaller groups reduce disturbance in sensitive areas (alpine zones, steep slopes, wetlands, etc.), whereas larger groups might be fine in other areas. However, large groups are more likely to disrupt the peace and solitude for which others have come outdoors. In general, the more fragile and remote the terrain, the smaller the group should be.

2. All of the above (packing out the foil wrapping from choice "d," of course). Wet or thin soils, and plants above treeline or in wet areas, are most easily damaged. It may take only a few boot scrapes to remove a layer of soil that has taken centuries to form.

3. Choice "c" is best; gaiters and a depth-check (use a pole or stick) help. You might locate hidden rocks or logs on which to step across, avoiding a total mudbath. Detouring around mud erodes the sides of the trail and only create more mud in the long run. For the least impact, consider staying out of the woods entirely during the muddy spring season and after heavy rain, when soils are most easily eroded. The hardworking folks who keep the trails in shape will thank you.

4. "a, b, c." And, though wearing bunny slippers might give rescuers a little too much business, you might try lighter boots with less aggressive tread as terrain and conditions permit. When you must leave the trail, seek out durable surfaces (see question 2); if none are present, spread out your group to avoid creating new paths.

5. Doing all of the above will help preserve continued access for everybody. You might not always need explicit permission, but it pays off in goodwill to check before heading out.

6. Purists would choose "d" here, arguing that all non-native substances should be kept out of the ecosystem because harmful insects or other organisms may hitchhike, and native fauna may become ill or lazy from repeated free meals. On the other hand, most folks see nothing wrong with choice "c," scattering certain fruit scraps well off the trail (apple cores, for example, but not orange peels, which break down very slowly). However, since few people appreciate sitting in someone else's crumbs and peanut shells, when in doubt, pack it out.

7. "b, c." Finding low-impact ground for a pit stop can be a challenge. Look for flat areas or depressions with no evidence of flooding or animal activity, a good 200 feet (70 adult steps) from any water. Sunny spots hasten decomposition. And if you can avoid spraying the plants, so much the better: urine burns their leaves.

8. "b, c." The main goal is to isolate contaminants from surface water, animals, and people, although buried feces and t.p. break down much more slowly than commonly thought. In fragile areas or when the ground is frozen, pack out waste and t.p. In certain contexts (such as desert or river travel), other techniques may apply.

9. All of the above, depending on your level of daring and botanical knowledge. Hobblebush and striped-maple leaves are soft, and common at low and middle elevations in the Northeast mountains; beech and oak can be scratchy. Women who don't care to "drip dry" can use panty liners, which should be packed out.

10. Time, experience, and your own judgment will guide you. For more information, consult AMC's low-impact fact sheet (www.outdoors.org/Trips/Facts/Lowimpact/); Leave No Trace (www.lnt.org; or call 1-800-332-4100); or Will Harmon's pocket-sized book, Leave No Trace (Falcon Press, Helena, MT, 1997; 1-800-582-2665). Many other useful resources are available at your local bookstore, outfitter, or USFS office.

        As leaving no trace is a work in progress, and outdoor problem-solving seldom occurs in black and white, your comments are most welcome (e-mail Nicole.S.Cormen(AT)valley(DOT)net ).

Copyright © 1998 by Nicole S. Cormen