Do you REALLY understand Leave No Trace? I thought I did. I was wrong.

Do you REALLY understand Leave No Trace? I thought I did. I was wrong.
If you love the outdoors, you've undoubtedly heard the term "Leave no trace". Seems simple. Pick up your trash.
It's not that simple. My friends and I have been talking about this quite a lot lately, and I was surprised at how little I really know about the actual meaning behind LNT. Luckily, I have friends who are smarter than I am, and we decided to make this video to hopefully increase awareness.
This video is narrated by Eric. Eric lives in Sedona, Arizona and is plugged into the local outdoor scene there. He even has an awesome website dedicated to his love of canyoneering and all things outdoor. Check it out here to learn more;
www.sedonacanyoneering.com/
Anyway, I don't have much to write here. Eric does a great job covering the subject matter. Better than I could.
Additional resources:
To report vandalism in the Sedona area, contact the Red Rock Ranger district: 928-203-2900
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cocon...
For more information on archaeological sites in the area, contact Arizona Archaeological Society - Verde Valley:
azarchsoc.org/
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Call & Respond - Elvin Vanguard

[@wfroe5151]

This guy was great. Jerry, you should put him on more often 👍

[@JerryArizona]

Eric is just an awesome guy all around. This was his idea. I have great friends.

[@ericvan94]

Extremely great friends. Especially the Eric ones

[@encopaca2]

😍@@ericvan94

[@JerryArizona]

I know at least one too many Erics......

[@walkingwithawookie1097]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you spreading this message. It’s always been my standard practice to leave it better than you found it so I’m no stranger to packing out other people trash. Just this past weekend I was camping on the western side of the Mogollon Rim by Edge of the World. I pulled into camp late at night so I did notice till morning that someone had left an electric recumbent stationary bike at the campsite. I can’t even begin to imagine what would motivate anyone to bring one out there or leave it behind. I also couldn’t just leave it there. After much grunting and some top shelf profanity I had it strapped down on the roof of my 4Runner. I was able to find some humor in the bewildered looks people were throwing my way on my drive out of the forest. I’m sure I was a sight to behold😂 Definitely tops my list of “What the hell were they thinking” moments. At any rate. You always put out great content. Thanks for spreading the message of respectful and responsible enjoyment of the great outdoors👍

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks for doing more than your part. As the reach of the channel grows, I want to try to incorporate more of this type of content (or just examples in the 'normal' videos) to hopefully spread the word.

[@David-bt1fp]

Great message!

[@robhebbs7960]

Good for you guys, im sure it feel on alot of deaf ears. When i make camp in our RV. i pick up all the trash i can find within the square mile. Always come back with a full 40 gallon trash bag full. I know you guys are young and on the clock, Me , old and retired so have lots of time to do this.

[@2910Alison]

Thanks so much for posting this. This is SUCH an important message and the more we all say it, the more people will listen hopefully.

[@maximbudnick]

Nice Jerry, thanks for sharing!

[@Desert2snowoffwego]

Excellent video to educate adventurers as to proper behavior & conduct when out there in the explortion!! Thanks Jerry & Guest!!

[@ropersix]

5:08, lol, I came across one of those for the first time this week, on one of my local trails! I didn't know what it was until I picked it up either. And yes I packed it out. I've dropped things on trails before, and have sort of sentenced myself to picking up other people's trash I come across. Nobody's perfect, and we all have to help each other out too, to the best of our ability and germaphobia level (I don't if I would have picked up that ladies pee cone if I knew what it was. I guess I'll find out if I see one again :\)

[@JerryArizona]

I picked up a white piece of paper in a slot canyon in Utah once. Yes, it was used toilet paper. After getting over the germophobia thing, I couldn't stop wondering how someone actually managed to do #2 in that spot. It was so tight you had to go sideways and couldn't even rotate your head because it was so tight our helmets wouldn't fit sideways. Gross, but impressive.

[@ActiveAlexis]

lol the end 😂 loved the video, thanks for spreading this information! 🙌

[@dmerth]

Thanks. Found some of those ideas useful. Perfect message

[@debbilermond1553]

The one rule and one word which really cover all of these great suggestions could be The Golden Rule and the word, respect. If everyone treated others, including spaces, the way they want to be treated with respect, the "Leave No Trace" motto would be more than just words. Thanks so much for sharing this as people need to be reminded more often to respect the earth and all of its creatures.

[@overwatchxrescue]

Thanks for the advice! Important rules to know for sure.

[@sallasyvanen6915]

Very important video! Thank you for spreading the word. I always try to be a humble and respectful visitor in nature, because loving is respecting and caring and I do love nature and all its wonders.

[@sleepingbirddog5314]

Great message. Eric rocks. Really looking forward to seeing some of these places in person next month when the wife and I are out there for a couple of weeks. Of course we'll follow the LNT principles, it really is the only way these places can be enjoyed by everyone.

[@semperanticusphotography3749]

Great video! I certainly didn't have much more thought to this than pack out whatever you bring in and try to have a minimal footprint.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Thank you so much for the info.

[@bobdurna3588]

Good video. Seems like there’s more and more trash on the trail system that’s my primary hiking spot. I have questions/ exceptions to two of the principles: 1. Cairns properly placed on certain wilderness hikes have saved me from becoming lost and in one case from accidentally heading over a drop off. I’m not talking those superfluous “monuments” built by some happy rock stacker😂. 2. Trail noise in bear country. Better to let them know you’re in the vicinity by making noise so that they don’t practice “Leave no trace “ with you😂.

[@JerryArizona]

I agree with the cairns when properly placed, but personally I don't ever add any. I try to study and pre-mark the route so I don't need them. But I will admit they've helped out on several ocassions (with a few where they led me astray.) For the noise, I don't think it means noise for safety to let animals know you're coming. That's a necessity in some areas. People need to be mindful to limit/eliminate any general noise like yelling or blasting music when it's NOT for safety reasons.

[@axcab3437]

Extremely important to share this LNT message. I'm so glad carrying a small plastic bag was in your video. I've been carrying 2 bags on every hike for years and my friends know to pick up even the smallest wrapper fragment and hand it over. I've picked up banana peels, orange skins,.... It's not native! And shouldn't be left behind even if it is. Be respectful to ancestors and future visitors. Continue the legacy of past responsible visitors. Thanks for posting!

[@johnNJ4024]

It's a shame that the principles of "leave no trace" need to be explained and gone over. These are principles that we all should have learned in kindergarten. The kindergarten rules don't just apply to people but the environment and the world too! If all the people of the world followed them the world would be a much better place. Thank you for the PSA. We all need a reminder from time to time! :)

[@JerryArizona]

I know. As much as I do this stuff, I still try to look at it as an issue of ignorance and not purposeful irresponsibility. (Although I know there's some of that.) You don't know until you know. We think whatever we're used to is right even if that isn't always the case. Hopefully this can spread the word to a few people.

[@macimages4215]

Great PSA! Was just in Glacier and LOTS of people have no idea about leaving no trace.

[@JerryArizona]

That's the intent. If it gets the info out to just a few people, hopefully it can do some good.

[@macimages4215]

@@JerryArizona let’s hope it works! Picked up a lot of garbage on our way down trails and watched a few morons start walking towards animals. Luckily, we called him back before he found out how sharp those mountain goat horns really are.

[@stampscapes]

Great vid. Seems like it's getting worse out there with every year with more people doing things outdoors.

[@kimmer580]

I wish people would follow the rules of noise and music. I can't tell you how many times I passed someone on the trail with a speaker strapped to their back blasting music or groups of people talking and laughing loudly the whole way on the trail. It's irritating and disruptive to wildlife and the rest of us nature lovers who just want to hear the birds, water running, wind in the trees, etc.

[@MattNowell]

I LEFT THIS VIDEO WITH MORE KNOWLEDGE THAN I CAME IN WITH. YOU ROCK.

[@advicepirate8673]

A good concept that, like all good concepts, gets a little ridiculous with zealous application. I can see them mattering more in high traffic areas (where you will never find me). Things like "don't make cairns" for instance. I'm cool with "don't make misleading or redundant cairns". But ya know what? I make cairns to help myself and others navigate, and no one is going to stop me. If I'm hiking in a low traffic area, you can bet that I'm not carrying feces in a bag out of there (you can also bet that you'll never find it). Like I say, I like the general concept, but on a certain level it stinks of extremely urban people who are fundamentally estranged from the natural environment, see things extremely simplistically, and leave no room for nuance. It's not other than you, you are of it. Respect it as though it were yourself, because it is.

[@NevadaSlots]

Nice video, and I really enjoyed the refresher on the LNT principles. I do think there is one tenet of LNT that is just as, if not more, important than the 7 mentioned. It gets left off the stage often...its DIGITAL leave no trace. There is no doubt that the lack of internet LNT has lead to closures, defacement, restrictions, and crowding. It's critical to the preservation of the recreational outdoors.

[@JerryArizona]

Obviously a tricky subject to address on a KZbin channel. I didn't want to dilute the message and make it about that, but I agree. And the larger the channel gets, the more impact it can have. That's led me to make several changes in the content I share and how I share it. There are places I don't name, places I won't film and videos I have taken down or won't even make. It's an evolving and imperfect process, but absolutely something we need to be aware of.

[@NevadaSlots]

@@JerryArizona I love your response. Thank you. Totally agree. Keep making great videos.

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Great job guys. I agree with you guys 100%. It’s a shame how some people are so thoughtless and don’t care. 👍👍

[@JerryArizona]

I try to give people the benefit of the doubt. You don't know until you know. So hopefully spreading the info helps.

[@juanito2903]

I'm aware of the 7 principles of leave no Trace. Everyone puts their little spin on them. I do my best to follow them. I think #7 is the most violated principal!

[@anthonybasile2560]

Awesome video guys

[@reymondpascual6770]

We recently visited Red Rock State Park and our children participated in their complimentary junior ranger program, which included explanation of Leave No trace. It was educational for all of us. At the end, they took their oaths and were given posters with the 7 principles. We put one in their room and do our best to practice and share these principles in our local area.

[@dougmoorcroft8743]

This should be shared by the state parks and outdoor companies. Well put together and painless to watch, not to mention the quality of filming and backdrop

[@robertross2596]

I great list of principles! As an occasional smoker I always pack out my buttons plus all other trash.

[@robertross2596]

....I meant cig butts not buttons! I once stopped a couple of kids from stoning a Mohave Green Rattlesnake & gave them a short but polite lecture. Finally, make friends aware of the sensitive "living soil" in many parts of the southwest. You succinctly covered these topics but I just wanted to add some followup. THANKS!😊

[@A-K_Rambler]

About camp a I have a small rake, used for smoothing walk areas, living area, also use it to smooth errant tire tracks about camps, clean up fire pits a rake about disturbed areas…..

[@Love2Wander]

Good info we try to do our best to pick up trash when we are out. As for carines, do you kick them over or just report them? Jerry love the channel and the content. Stay safe, my friend

[@JerryArizona]

Cairns are such a hot button topic in the outdoor community. I have had several instances where they were useful in wayfinding. I have also had several instances where I have followed cairns that led me in the wrong direction. Then there are the 'decorative' cairns you'll find in areas like the shot in the video where they have no real purpose. Personally, I don't make them but I tend to leave them alone when I find them. I try to do research so I know where I'm going without them, so to me, they don't serve much purpose. If we all followed the principles, there wouldn't be any cairns to knock over. I guess that's my way of saying I stay out of that argument.

[@Love2Wander]

@JerryArizona people do them for photos I take it upon myself to remove them. Stay safe, my friend

[@jeffreymayes907]

Great video!

[@CactusAtlas]

One thing I think people need to consider is around noise. I love the people who go hiking and are blasting Night at the Roxbury out of their phone. First, if you are going to do that, at least play something cool. But better yet, don’t do it at all. Trust me, the rest of us are not impressed!

[@JerryArizona]

Someone blared a book on tape for hours one night when we were at the campground on Kalalau Beach. I still have no idea what they were thinking.

[@OnlyPeter431]

Thank you for this, my biggest issue is trash and rock stacking. Ahhhhhh freaking rock stackers!

[@mikegrier2829]

Nice

[@saltycat262]

what's the rule, and if there isn't one, your opinion on coming upon injured wildlife on the trail?

[@JerryArizona]

Not positive, but from a quick search, it appears you should notify the local animal control or wildlife rescue/rehabilitation organization. It makes sense as they would be the most knowledgeable when it comes to the indigenous wildlife. I would think that you could also contact the appropriate forest/park agency as well. But definitely do not approach or try to give aid yourself. Injured wild animals are going to be scared and can easily bite/scratch or otherwise hurt you while protecting themselves since they may not be able to run away. I'll see if I can get a more definitive answer for you. Another thought that I've encountered; if you come across what appear to be orphaned young animals, be extremely wary. Tina and I startled a wild piglet in Hawaii and shortly afterward, mom showed up and was none too happy. Luckily, we had already put as much distance between us and the piglet as possible, so the parent didn't attack.

[@saltycat262]

@@JerryArizona Makes sense! I was aware of being careful with orphaned animals. Or an animal one perceives to be orphaned but really isn't - and inadvertently making it an orphan by messing with it and now the parent won't return. Thank you for your content!

[@mattwelch9757]

great points :) I sometimes am concerned as the volume of people visiting the bigger parks grows and grows that 5 in particular (and to other extents 6 and 7) are becoming in some respects unattainable in high summer/tourist season, particularly as the percentage of the population didn't grow up in nature, appreciating and respecting it dwindles. Some of my favorite spots from childhood are overrun with people now and in the resulting traffic jams it feels like minimizing impact is no longer possible unless you're out away from everyone. I'm not sure what can be done about that. Unrelated - I see you talk about gear from time to time. What I don't see you mentioning much is training, how much you do if any, or whether you're hiking so regularly you're able to stay in good enough shape for what you like to do. Living where I do and having a job where I'm seated all hours of the day I'm going to have to put some time in to be able to do more than dayhike and I'm trying to get a feel for what I can do living out away from the sorts of hiking I enjoy.

[@JerryArizona]

There isn't much on training because I haven't trained properly for a while now. I used to. The hikes also were frequent enough to keep me in condition for quite a while. But it's catching up with me and I need to get back into a routine. Usually a stair stepper or even better, a local hike after work. Not really that easy to do when it's 110 degrees outside though.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Nicely done. The real question is which rule has Jerry been breaking? 😁

[@JerryArizona]

Blaring music on the trail. I can't hike without some AC/DC cranked to 11. j/k. I've been pretty much adhering to the principles....I just never even knew there were 7 principles to begin with. The traveling on durable surfaces when off trail I always wondered about since I know you're supposed to stick to established trails when a lot of our hiking doesn't involve trails.

[@FlourishingLove]

@@JerryArizona So you've been cranking rock music out loud on the trail? You didn't use headphones? I'm glad you've been schooled, here. LOL. I love music, but not while I'm out in nature. There, I'd rather hear bird songs and babbling brooks.

[@JerryArizona]

@@FlourishingLove I was kidding. I don’t. If I’m doing an urban ‘wilderness exercise’ hike, I sometimes wear ear buds. Maybe some quiet music on the iPhone at camp. But that’s about it. I want to be able to hear what’s around me and I don’t want to annoy other people.

[@FlourishingLove]

@@JerryArizona I'm silly, eh? I guess j/k means "just kidding"? LOL

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

I've unsubscribed from specific KZbinrs that, when they see artifacts, immediately pick them up and break the artifact; oh, you didn't anticipate the act of picking up something can break it?? As a scuba diver, I was taught not to touch anything underwater and have always abided by that philosophy. As a person that wants to get photos/videos of wildlife, I never abide by the so-called rule of making noise so the animal doesn't get startled. Those animals are well aware of you before you are aware of them. Humans, by their nature are very noisy and destructive.

[@SweetFruitionFarmandEcoHousing]

So glad this new video popped up when I was watching some old JA videos while putting away tools, hiding from my little kids and trying not to murder my partner. Now our family can all learn Leave No Trace principles as we plot our outdoor adventures together.. but not murder. Definitely not plotting murder. ⛰️ 🤔 I seriously hope y’all staged “New Eric” using that pee funnel as a trumpet. 😱 😳 😂 🦠 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@JerryArizona]

Eric knows his outdoor etiquette. But he does not know his normal trash from bathroom trash. Edit: It's not a LNT principle, but plotting murder is also generally frowned upon as well.

[@SweetFruitionFarmandEcoHousing]

Geez, poor Eric. Hopefully the sun helped disinfect the urine funnel, and the extra glam of risking his life will be worth it as y’all increase awareness of safety, concerns and ethics around canyoneering. In reviewing The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, it seems that murder might violate LNT Principle Nos. 3 and 7.

[@rodneygobbler6279]

No one ever addresses campfires. They feel that if their camping or there is a fire ring its cool to do, NO its not! If you care about the environment bring a stove stop taking wood that animals and insects depend on. And increasing the chance of out of control fires and taking resources that you think that's what the outdoors owes you to get the full experience. I do allow for exceptions in case of emergencies e.g. your stove fails, a snow storm is coming, the temp is dropping quicker then prepared for, ... So often the campfire be comes a trash pit also. LEAVE NO F'ING TRACE.

[@JerryArizona]

Personally I like campfires, but realize that not everyone does. I stick to established fire rings to minimize the impact. I have never understood why so many have cans and glass in them. They don't burn and it's not a trash can.

[@familyclist6282]

Unfortunate how he breaks principle #'s 5 and 7 by yelling at the end.

[@thomassanio8745]

Nothing is worse than hiking in a wilderness area with some idiot playing music on a boom box! Talk about destroying everyone’s peace and serenity🙄

[@JerryArizona]

I may or may not have spent about 15 minutes contemplating kicking a dead tree down onto a couple who stopped below our campsite and jammed a club version of Wicked Game several years ago....They didn't realize my wife and I were above them, but still. At least play the original.

[@thomassanio8745]

I like how you and Tina think Jerry👍😂

[@thomassanio8745]

I like how you and Tina think Jerry👍😂

[@user-yo1pk4ky4k]

We are creatures of the earth like all the other animals. We don't have to go around and apologize for being here like we are some "mistake" and alien beings. Enjoy your time and the earth and don't rip things up. Walking through the wilderness should not be an anxiety-ridden, eco-religious experience like we are invaders. We belong here. Eco-'marm lectures like this are so wimpy.

[@JerryArizona]

Wow, man. Just….wow.

[@Here_Today_]

Leash your dog, always

[@JerryArizona]

This is one that is definitely a hot button. I get it. People love their pets. Doesn't bother me personally. But regardless of how well trained your animal is, some people don't like dogs. "He's nice! He doesn't bite" doesn't really help in that case. That's where #7 comes in.