The RMC encourages all its visitors
to follow the seven commonly-accepted "Leave No Trace"
principles. Each Leave No Trace principle is grounded in scientific
research, which provides the basis for guidelines that minimize
hiker impacts in the backcountry. These principles include:
Plan Ahead and
Prepare
Know the White Mountain National Forest,
Randolph Town Forest and private land regulations and special
concerns.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and
emergencies, especially if venturing above tree line.
Travel and Camp
on Durable Surfaces
Protect fragile alpine tundra by staying
on the trail above tree line.
Camp on durable surfaces such as rock,
gravel, or at least two feet of snow.
Camping is not allowed in Forest Protection
Areas, including within 1/4 mile of designated overnight areas,
or within 200 feet of the Valley Way between Scar Trail and AMC
Madison Hut.
Protect sensitive riparian areas by camping
at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Camp at least 200 feet away from trails.
Dispose of Waste
Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your
campsite or RMC shelter for trash or spilled foods. Pack out
all trash, leftover food and litter.
Use the RMC's toilets when you have the
chance. If one is not nearby, deposit solid human waste in catholes
dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and
trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash dishes, use sinks or washpits
at RMC camps. If camping, carry water 200 feet away from streams
or lakes, use small amounts of biodegradable soap and scatter
strained dishwater.
Leave What You
Find
Preserve the past: examine, but do not
remove, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. On public
lands, removing artifacts is also against the law.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural
objects as you find them.
Minimize Campfire
Impacts
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to
the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy
a candle lantern for light.
Campfires are not allowed within Forest
Protection Areas.
Fires must not be built on private land
without the consent of the owner. A fire permit is required in
all of New Hampshire. In Randolph, fire permits are available
by calling 466-2332 or by visiting Lowe's Store on U.S. Route
2.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not
follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages
their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators
and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing
rations and trash securely.
Dogs should be under voice or physical
control at all times. Bring a leash and clean up after your dog.
Be Considerate
of Other Visitors
Respect other visitors and protect the
quality of their experience.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud
voices and noises.
If you must use your cell phone, use it
outside and away from RMC facilities.
Avoid large hiking parties. Smaller groups
have been shown to have fewer impacts on the mountain environment,
and on the experience of other visitors.
