As Austin continues to grow, let’s ensure that our parks, trails, and green spaces are protected and can be enjoyed for generations to come by practicing the 7 Leave No Trace principles.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
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- Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.
- Bring basic first aid.
- Tell someone where you're going.
- Know how to get help.
- Travel on Durable Surfaces
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- Stay on established, durable trails made of rock, gravel, or cement.
- Avoid using makeshift footpaths.
- Dispose of Waste Properly
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- Take trash, pet waste, and leftover food with you.
- Bring bags for pet waste, scoop the poop, and dispose of bags in designated areas.
- Leave What You Find
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- Leave rocks, plants, flowers, and other natural objects as you find them.
- Preserve the past. Examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Be Careful with Fire
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- Check the burning restriction status in City of Austin Parks before heading out to grill.
- Use grills in designated areas and never leave a flame unattended.
- Use a lightweight stove for cooking and use a lantern for light.
- Respect Wildlife
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- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach animals.
- Never feed animals, and make sure garbage and scraps are put away.
- Keep your dog on a leash unless you’re at one of Austin’s off-leash areas.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
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- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Go slow and yield to other users on the trail.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Leave No Trace helps everyone enjoy the natural world in a sustainable way that limits human impacts. Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin Resource Recovery, and Watershed Protection have partnered to raise awareness about Leave No Trace in Austin. Learn more about Leave No Trace at LNT.org.