The Arizona Office of Tourism has partnered with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics© to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve the state’s stunning natural landscapes. By adopting the Leave No Trace principles, visitors can enjoy Arizona’s unique destinations while minimizing their environmental impact.

Understanding Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is an individual outdoor ethic that can be practiced by anyone spending time in nature. It is a set of guidelines to minimize human impact on the environment. By implementing Leave No Trace principles, we can protect our favorite outdoor areas, from local parks to remote wilderness.

The Need for Leave No Trace

Knowing that 9 out of 10 outdoor visitors must be aware of Leave No Trace practices is disheartening. With over 13 billion outdoor trips taken in the U.S. annually, the cumulative impact of irresponsible actions can cause significant damage to natural areas. Trash, campfire negligence, and disturbances to wildlife are just a few examples of preventable harm that occurs when Leave No Trace is not followed.

The Impact

The consequences of irresponsible behavior in the outdoors can be severe. In Arizona’s parks and forests alone, the state and federal government spend a staggering $83 million per year on fire suppression, with a large portion resulting from unattended campfires, debris burning, and careless disposal of cigarettes. Furthermore, feeding wildlife can lead to aggressive behavior, putting animals and humans at risk. Trash and litter harm the environment and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, which can take years to recover from irresponsible off-trail hiking and camping.

The Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace Seven Principles

To mitigate these impacts, the Appreciate AZ initiative promotes the Leave No Trace Seven Principles tailored to Arizona’s landscapes, water resources, and cultural heritage. These principles offer practical guidance for minimizing your impact while exploring the state’s natural wonders.

1. Plan and Prepare:

• Research your destination.
• Prepare for diverse landscapes and weather conditions.
• Obtain permits.
• Stay hydrated.
• Inform someone of your plans.

2. Stick to Trails:

• Stay on designated trails to protect plants, animals, and yourself.
• Avoid parking on vegetation and maintain a safe distance from cliff edges.

3. Trash Your Trash:

• Pack out all trash, including organic waste, to maintain the cleanliness of the environment.
• Keep waterways free of food, soap, and waste.

4. Leave What You Find:

• Preserve the natural beauty by leaving flora, fauna, and cultural artifacts untouched.
• Take only pictures and memories.

5. Be Careful With Fire:

• Follow fire safety guidelines.
• Use designated fire pits.
• Fully extinguish fires.
• Be aware of fire restrictions and potential hazards.

6. Respect Wildlife:

• Observe wildlife from a safe distance.
• Respect their habitats.
• Secure food to prevent attracting animals, and keep pets leashed.

7. Share the Outdoors:

• Respect other visitors.
• Learn about indigenous cultures.
• Yield on trails.
• Be considerate of noise pollution and artificial light.

By embracing these principles, we can collectively protect and preserve Arizona’s natural heritage for generations to come.

Get Appreciate AZ Certified

Take the next step in becoming a Leave No Trace expert by getting Appreciate AZ certified. Click here to access the certification process and pledge to follow Leave No Trace principles. Completing this certification will deepen your understanding of sustainable tourism practices and contribute to preserving Arizona’s natural landscapes.

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