Leave-No-Trace & Stewardship Principles for Water Recreation

1. Protect the Water

• Keep trash, food waste, and pollutants out of the water.

• Use designated waste and restroom facilities when available.

• Never dump soaps, chemicals, fuel, or other contaminants into the water.

• Clean up after yourself—and leave your launch site, beach, or campsite cleaner than you found it.

2. Respect the Shoreline

• Use established access points, trails, and launches whenever possible.

• Avoid trampling vegetation or creating new paths.

• Leave natural features such as rocks, plants, driftwood, and shells where they are.

• Help prevent erosion by staying on durable surfaces.

3. Leave Wildlife Wild

• Observe wildlife from a respectful distance and never feed or intentionally disturb animals.

• Give nesting, spawning, and resting areas extra space.

• Keep dogs under control and follow posted seasonal wildlife restrictions.

• Remember that quiet recreation can help protect sensitive wildlife.

4. Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

• Clean, Drain, Dry boats, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, and other equipment before moving between waterways.

• Remove visible plants, mud, and debris.

• Drain all water from boats and equipment.

• Never release aquarium species, bait, plants, or animals into the water.

5. Be Considerate of Other Recreationists

• Share launches, beaches, trails, and waterways courteously.

• Give paddlers, swimmers, anglers, boaters, and other users appropriate space.

• Keep noise at a respectful level, particularly near shorelines, homes, and wildlife habitat.

• Follow posted rules and respect private property.

6. Practice Safe & Responsible Recreation

• Know the conditions before you go and prepare for changing weather.

• Wear appropriate safety equipment, including a properly fitted life jacket.

• Know your abilities and choose routes appropriate for your experience.

• Avoid creating situations that could require unnecessary rescue resources.

7. Respect Cultural & Historic Places

• Leave archaeological, cultural, and historic resources undisturbed.

• Do not collect artifacts, disturb sites, or damage structures.

• Learn about and respect the Indigenous history and ongoing cultural connections to the waterways you are visiting.

8. Take Responsibility for Your Impact

• Pack out everything you bring in.

• Pick up trash when you encounter it, even if it isn't yours.

• Report hazardous conditions, pollution, invasive species, or damaged facilities to the appropriate agency.

• Be an example of responsible recreation for others.