Leave No Trace Policy

Your actions on and off the river affect how people perceive boaters in their communities. Here are 10 things you can do to protect access to rivers nationally.

• 1. Drive courteously, especially in small communities.
  
  
• 2. Park in designated areas and avoid blocking driveways or traffic. Seek permission from landowners before accessing the river via private property.
  
  
• 3. Use existing trails.
  
  
• 4. Use discretion when scouting, and attempt to hike on rocks and boulders when portaging.
  
  
• 5. Dispose of human waste properly.
  
  
• 6. Maintain a low profile at access points, and remember to turn down the radio.
  
  
• 7. Pack it in - Pack it out.
  
  
• 8. Prevent ground scars by using firepans or existing firepits in designated areas.
  
  
• 9. Do all you can to protect the resource and avoid wildlife disturbance while enjoying your visit.
  
  
• 10. Join American Whitewater. Learn more about our Access & Conservation Programs and how you can resolve river access issues in your community.

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American Whitewater has been honored as a partner of Leave No Trace, Inc. in 2001 for our assistance in revising the Leave No Trace Western Rivers Skills & Ethics Booklet. Learn more about Leave No Trace at www.LNT.org.