Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is a national education program dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible recreational practices through education, research and partnerships. The Leave No Trace program is a partnership of federal land management agencies, outdoor educators, conservation groups, manufacturers, outdoor retailers, user groups and individuals who share a commitment to preserving and protecting our public lands.

Leave No Trace Creation and History

The US Forest Service formalized a partnership with NOLS in 1990 to develop a written Leave No Trace educational curriculum for wildland visitors. NOLS' involvement in the program marked the beginning of the partnership model that continues to the present day. NOLS also developed the ethics and experiential training aspects of the LNT program, the capstone of which is a five-day Master Educator Course for land managers, outfitters and outdoor educators. In 1994, NOLS helped to found the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Boulder, Colorado.