• Plan ahead and prepare
• Be considerate of others
• Respect farm animals and wildlife
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Leave what you find
• Dispose of waste properly
• Minimise the impacts of fire

Working on trail repair projects is not the only way to protect our valuable wild lands and other areas used for recreation. As cities grow and populations encroach upon wild lands and recreation areas we must do more than just pick up the litter and extinguish campfires. We must learn how to maintain the integrity and character of the outdoors for all living things. Every one has a part to pay in protecting our environment. Mountain Meitheal has as one of its objectives the promotion of sustainable recreation - we believe that the LEAVE NO TRACE message is the most effective way to do this.

Environmental problems in Ireland, parallel natural resource concerns in the backcountry throughout the developed world. Heavier "traffic" from increasing demand accounts for the following problems: damage and erosion to footpaths, bootleg camping with associated litter problems, destructive impact on habitats, destruction of rare plants on summits, water pollution from human waste, and the loss of a wild experience through large group sizes. LNT principals are universal; however, Ireland has specific issues; land ownership, soil and climate types and out door traditions. LNT Ireland has established guidelines relevant to the unique needs of the Irish Countryside.

Few things in this world are black and white. Paul Petzol said it best, "Rules are for fools!" Situations and judgment dictate actions. The LEAVE NO TRACE message is not a set of rules or regulations they are ethics and Ethics are what we do when no one is around to see us. A knowledgeable person will make choices that will be best for the outdoor environment. With this in mind, we offer these pages to explain in detail and explore best practices for living lightly on in our fragile mountains, lakes, bogs and waterways.

Mountain Meitheal supports the Leave No Trace message and asks you as an outdoor user to try and practice these principles in your visits to the outdoors.

If you would like to learn more about Leave No Trace or support the work of Leave No Trace Ireland please click here.