Leave No Trace

Visitors to public lands are urged to practice Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics in order to protect our shared outdoor spaces for the next hiker or floater coming down the trail and for future generations to enjoy. Even if you're unfamiliar with the concept of Leave No Trace, you have probably practiced it before without realizing. In short, always strive to "leave it better than you found it."

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles provide guidance to enjoy our natural world in a responsible way that minimizes human-created impacts. The principles have been adapted so they can be applied in your backyard or the backcountry.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know before you go. Check the weather forecast and water levels before your trip. Stay updated on changing river conditions particularly on the Buffalo River at https://ar.water.usgs.gov/buffaloriver/. River levels greater than the indicated levels are unsafe:
  • Buffalo River Ponca gage: 2070 cfs
  • Buffalo River Pruitt/Hwy. 7 gage: 2000 cfs
  • Buffalo River Grinder's Ferry/Hwy. 65 gage: 8000 cfs
  • Buffalo River Dillard's Ferry/Hwy. 14 gage: 9370 cfs
• Watch the weather closely during your trip. Upstream thunderstorms can cause the river to rise rapidly.
• Use a detailed topographic map to plan your trip.
• Be prepared with all necessary skills, gear, and equipment to have a safe and enjoyable time.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• When in the front country, camp in designated campsites. When in the backcountry, find a site that is at least 1/2 mile away from a trailhead, road, or other high-use area. Whenever possible, choose existing sites where vegetation is absent.
• If you camp on a gravel bar along the river, be mindful of flood potential and plan an escape route. Overnight storms can warrant an emergency evacuation to higher ground.
• When hiking, walk single file down center of trail (even when muddy) to protect vegetation and prevent soil erosion.
• Always leave your campsite cleaner than when you arrived.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

• If you pack it in, pack it out!
• Always pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• In non-developed areas, solid human waste must be: deposited in fixtures provided for that purpose; buried in a cathole 6 inches to 8 inches deep and at least 200 foot from water, camp, and trails; packed out in a disposable biodegradable bag toilet system approved for landfill disposal (WAG bag or similar system); or packed out in a self-contained washable, leak-proof, reusable toilet system.
• Most of the littering that takes place on rivers is done accidentally when a canoe tips over and its contents wash downstream. To prevent accidental littering, fasten cooler lids and secure all belongings to your boat while paddling.
• Do not throw trash into river, on land, or leave at campsite. Carry it out with you.

4. Leave What You Find

• Appreciate historical structures like homesteads, cemeteries, and mines by leaving them undisturbed. Observe, but do not touch cultural or historic artifacts.
• Do not build rock cairns, dig trenches, or carve into bluffs, tree trunks, or structures. Leave natural and historical areas exactly as they were when you arrived.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Know current fire conditions including local burn bans before you go.
• Use a camp stove for cooking and use existing fire rings for campfires. When camping in the backcountry, disassemble fire rings and disperse ashes before vacating your campsite.
• To prevent the spread of tree-killing insects and diseases, do not transport firewood into the park from other areas. Collect dead and down wood around your campsite or purchase firewood from a local outfitter.
• Burn all wood to coals and ash. Extinguish fires completely with water. Never burn trash.

6. Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Never follow or approach them.
• Never feed wildlife; store your food and trash securely in a locking container. When camping in the backcountry, store the locking food container away from your campsite.
• Pets are permitted only in specific areas. In permitted areas, keep pets on a leash and pack out their waste.
• Be especially considerate of wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or hibernation.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Minimize your group size to prevent unnecessary noise and resource impact, particularly in designated wilderness areas.
• Be aware that hunting is permitted. During hunting season, notify hunters of your presence by wearing bright orange clothing.
• Let nature's sights and sounds prevail.