32 | SUNRAYS JUNE 2014
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
T
o a generation that was always en-
couraged to make its mark in the
world, the directive to “leave no
trace” might seem counterintuitive. Not
true! Members of the Sun City Texas Hik-
ing Club, for example, have eagerly em-
braced the “Leave No Trace” concept and
are actively promoting that philosophy.
An outgrowth of early efforts by the U.S.
Forest Service to inspire the American
public to adopt responsible conservation
practices, the Leave No Trace (LNT)
program has evolved into one of the most
widely-accepted outdoor ethics programs
used on public lands across the globe.
Some of its staunchest supporters are
today’s seniors: outdoor enthusiasts who
learned in their youth to heed the advice
of conservation icons such as Smokey
Bear and Woodsy Owl; who vowed never
to become “Meadow Stompers” or “Lit-
terbugs;” who poured over Mark Trail
comic books; and who introduced to their
children an environmentally-minded rac-
coon named Ranger Rick.
For more than 140 years, the conserva-
tion movement in America has slowly
been gaining momentum. Today the non-
profit Leave No Trace Center for Out-
door Ethics, headquartered in Colorado,
has LNT programs in all 50 states and
in 30 foreign countries. Its mission is
simple, yet invaluable: “to teach people
of all ages how to enjoy the outdoors
responsibly.” The seven principles of
LNT stress the importance of sensibly
preparing for outdoor experiences. Its
set of ethics focuses on common-sense
behaviors, including: leaving natural
objects and man-made artifacts intact
and undisturbed; minimizing damage to
trails and campsites; respecting wildlife;
disposing of waste properly; and being
considerate of others when sharing the
outdoors.
‘Leave No Trace’
Over subsequent decades, countless
programs have been established to in-
crease awareness of mankind’s duty to
protect the natural environment. These
programs range from state-wide beau-
tification campaigns to summer camp
classes for pre-school children.
Leave No Trace
Program Teaches Outdoor Lovers to Behave Responsibly
By Kathy Corbett
Displaying his Leave No Trace permit on a lanyard, Dick Klein (second from left) was joined by Sara Hardner, Barbara Council
and Reg Bessmer at the entrance to Twin Springs Preserve, one of Williamson County’s protected natural areas.
Photos submitted by Kathy Corbett
