It’s been one year since San Juan County became the first county in the U.S. to voluntarily adopt the Leave No Trace Guiding Principles and Ethic to support stewardship on the San Juan Islands.
Since then, the organization has come up with seven guiding principles specifically meant for the San Juan Islands to assist visitors and locals with leaving as little impact as possible on the land.
The group presented the seven principles to the county council in their Sept. 29 meeting for adoption.
The principles were first to prepare and plan to know the rules.
Secondly, stick to the trails and camp overnight right.
The third was to properly dispose of trash and human or animal waste.
Fourth, to “leave it as you find it,” which focused on national and historic sites and not transporting plants or animals to the island which don’t belong.
The fifth, especially important this summer, was to be careful with fire.
The sixth principle was to keep wildlife wild by keeping control of pets and not feeding wildlife, as that can lead to habituation as well as disrupt wildlife feeding and hunting cycles.
The final principle was to be considerate of other visitors to the island. The council asked the presenters how they planned to get the message out succinctly and efficiently. The team spoke of working with the Washington State ferries to introduce the principles, as well as brochures and using the Visitors Bureau as an online resource.
Read their full press release with each detailed principle below:
— Submitted by Leave No Trace
On Tuesday, September 29 the Terrestrial Managers Working Group (agencies, NGOs, & individuals involved in land management, research, education, and preservation in San Juan County) met with the San Juan County Council to present the 7 Leave No Trace Principles specifically adapted for the San Juan Islands. TMWG members present included Marcia deChadenedes and Nick Teague (BLM, San Juan Islands National Monument), Barbara Marrett (San Juan Visitors Bureau), Jerald Weaver (San Juan Historical National Park), Dona Wuthnow (San Juan County Parks & Fair Director). Meghan Herold, LNT Master Trainer and Noreene Ignelzi, SJC LNT Coordinator, were also present. But the surprise appearance by Bigfoot stole the show!
The main presentation by Dona Wuthnow, began with SJC Leave No Trace 2015 highlights that included:
• LNT, Inc. Traveling Trainers returned to the San Juan’s June 2015
• WA State Park Aide, Meghan Herold completed the LNT Master Educator Course in August 2015 with the support of WA State Parks and Terrestrial Managers Group partnership with the BLM, who secured funding assistance
• 85% of all SJI National Monument Educational Outreach incorporated LNT
• The San Juan Nature Institute incorporated LNT PEAK curriculum in weekly presentations at Island Rec’s Camp Eagle Rock for K-1 campers
• County Parks began incorporating LNT into messaging at 3 county campgrounds & on public outreach materials
Dona continued with the presentation of the adapted Leave No Trace Principles as follows:
1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
To stay safe, reduce stress and make the most of your visit:
• Know the rules, regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
• Prepare for extreme weather, tides, currents, hazards, emergencies and transportation delays. Check weather reports.Schedule your trip to avoid times of high visitor use. Read books and maps, check online and talk to people before you go.
• The more you know about the area, the more fun you’ll have!
2. STICK TO TRAILS AND CAMP OVERNIGHT RIGHT
To protect fragile areas such as rocky outcrops with lichens, moss and plants; shoreline and tide pool areas; native prairies; and to respect private property:
• Walk and ride in the middle of designated trails.
• Do not create new trails or trample undeveloped areas
• Camp only in designated campsites.
3. TRASH YOUR TRASH AND PICK UP POOP
Human and pet waste and garbage can be harmful to plants and animals, visitors, and marine environments. To protect wildlife, human health and keep water clean:
• Pack it in, Pack it out. Put litter–even crumbs, peels and
• Plan ahead and use toilets. Cores–in bags and dispose in garbage cans.
• If toilets are not available, bury human waste in a small hole 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet or 70 big steps from water. Pack out toilet paper in zip lock bags and dispose of it in a garbage can.
• Use a plastic bag to pack out your pet’s poop to a garbage can.
• Do not put soap, food, human or pet waste in Salish Sea (marine waters), lakes or streams.
4. LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT
To allow others to enjoy the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands and keep visitors safe:
• Leave plants, rocks and historical items as you find them so
• Treat living plants with respect. Carving, hacking or peeling
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native plants and
• Do not build driftwood forts, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
To keep your fire from harming plants, animals or other visitors:
• Use a camp stove for cooking. Stoves are easier to cook on and
• Do not build fires on the beach.
• Use only existing fire rings and keep your fire small.
• Burn all wood to ash and be sure the fire is completely out and
• Pack out all trash and food. A fire is not a garbage can.
• Purchase firewood from a local vendor or gather on site if: Create less impact than a fire. Cold before you leave. Allowed. Bringing firewood from home can harbor tree killing insects and diseases.
6. KEEP WILDLIFE WILD
Stressing or feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. To keep wildlife healthy:
• Observe wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them.
• Learn and follow the Be Whale Wise guidelines for boating around marine mammals.
• Protect wildlife and your food by securely storing your meals and trash.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Know and follow leash rules and pet prohibitions for the area you are visiting.
• Give wildlife extra space during sensitive times (e.g., mating, nesting, raising young, or winter).
7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
• To increase the enjoyment of the outdoors for all visitors:
• Keep your pet under control to protect it, other visitors and wildlife.
• Yield to other users on the trail.
• Leave generous space between you and other visitors.
• Avoid making loud noises or yelling.
• You will also see more wildlife if you are quiet.
The Terrestrial Managers Group believes that if people do something, even something simple, to help take care of the places they cherish, we will all benefit. The very nature of Leave No Trace lends itself well to fostering a cooperative spirit of stewardship and together we can succeed at establishing this culture of stewardship in the San Juan Islands. What does the future hold for San Juan County Leave No Trace? The County Council will review and make recommendations for moving forward with this very important collaboration between San Juan County and the Terrestrial Mangers in facilitating the adoption and implementation of the seven principles.
