what is your interpretation of "Leave No Trace"?

LNT ethics are (generally) 7 loosely-defined guidelines. They make perfect sense in the backcountry, but I'm curious how others apply these guidelines to the front-country. I can't imagine how a network of trails, wooden benches and decks, fixed ropes, grid bolting, shiny anchor chains, heavy foot traffic, dogs, felled trees, and signage can fall under such ethos.

Is it "pick up your trash, and don't play bluetooth speakers"? are LNT ethics shifting and malleable? 

LNT these days is whatever is convenient for the person.

Sad really.

I feel like you made up the term “Front-Country”. 

Anyone have suggestions for how to LNT at climbing areas where, while no individual is leaving a particular trace (garbage, etc) it's quite clear the climbers as a whole are leaving a trace?  In particular with respect to anchor trees.  I tried to only step on rock, and definitely to avoid any exposed roots, and generally spend as little time around them as possible.  Anything else? 

Nicholas Gillman wrote: I feel like you made up the term “Front-Country”. 

Actually, we use the same term extensively in CO to describe the trails/areas in the foothills of the front range. Generally, these trailheads are at the urban boundaries (i.e. not backcountry)

Nicholas Gillman wrote: I feel like you made up the term “Front-Country”. 

I felt the same way as I was typing it. 

Kyle Elliott wrote: Is it "pick up your trash, and don't play bluetooth speakers"? are LNT ethics shifting and malleable? 

No, I don't think the ethics are in any way shifting, I think they are adapting to a changing environment in terms of user numbers and frequency of use. As a result, things like networks of well thought out trails, benches, terracing, and other forms of landscape modification are being incorporated specifically to allow that kind of volume of users to leave the smallest trace possible.

curt86iroc wrote:

Actually, we use the same term extensively in CO to describe the trails/areas in the foothills of the front range. Generally, these trailheads are at the urban boundaries (i.e. not backcountry)

Thought it was front range? Tomato, tomato?

Nicholas Gillman wrote: I feel like you made up the term “Front-Country”. 

I've heard that term quite a bit. It's "side country" that had me rolling my eyes.

JNE wrote: No, I don't think the ethics are in any way shifting, I think they are adapting to a changing environment in terms of user numbers and frequency of use. As a result, things like networks of well thought out trails, benches, terracing, and other forms of landscape modification are being incorporated specifically to allow that kind of volume of users to leave the smallest trace possible.

Very well said.

Typically folks who bring up LNT are really using it as a smokescreen to attack some behavior they dislike.
Usually project draws, chalk, dogs or less commonly, terracing.
But whatever behavior they do themselves, like trails, route gardening, or bolts is perfectly OK.

Leave no trace is more of a goal than anything else for me.  You're always going to leave a trace, its just about making your trace as small as feasible and helping erase the traces others leave behind.  JNE has a good grasp I think.

Gunkiemike wrote:

I've heard that term quite a bit. It's "side country" that had me rolling my eyes.

So lift serviced off-piste makes your head spin?

5.Seven Kevin wrote: LNT these days is whatever is convenient for the person.

Sad really.

MALNTA

Definitely not this Thanks Moose!

Found at Favorite Courtright bivi spot. Front Range for sure. Sad and clueless. Expand to see

Eric Engberg wrote:

So lift serviced off-piste makes your head spin?

In America out of the resort is Backcountry. Plain and simple. Same danger hiking out the peak 9 gate at breck as skinning up a zone a mile from the resort. The term "side country" unfortunately invites a bunch of Gumby's who don't know better. 

Never heard "front country" though. That is a laugh.

does LNT exclude stashing gear at Smth?

Parker Wrozek wrote:
Never heard "front country" though. That is a laugh. 

think windy saddle vs. lost creek wilderness. one is on the urban border...the other is obviously not. not sure how long you've been in denver, but i hear this all the time

Since 2011. I just think it is a funny term. I understand it, just don't think I will use it.

a good first step for most climbers would be to actually look around and make sure they packed everything up, instead of jumping on MP/whateverfacebookgroup and telling people to go get their stuff so they can have it back.  uggghhh, i can't take any more yardsales....

I had a Colorado State Park ranger discuss "front country" extensively with me back around 1990.
It is a land manager concept based on creating areas close to urban centers that will attract the normies, thus redirecting them away from back country. 

Brother Numsie wrote: I had a Colorado State Park ranger discuss "front country" extensively with me back around 1990.
It is a land manager concept based on creating areas close to urban centers that will attract the normies, thus redirecting them away from back country. 

Normies are different from Numsies, I take it.