Protecting Parks and Leave No Trace

Pressures on public lands are rising every day. From budget cuts and reduced staffing at national parks and other federal land-managing agencies to ever-increasing visitation and problems associated with over-tourism, this is a critical moment for all of us to strengthen our park stewardship.

Parks and shared outdoor spaces are vital resources that we all rely on for recreation, reflection, and well-being. They’re also home to wildlife, plants, and many of the natural resources that sustain our planet. Now more than ever, it’s up to all of us to take action and ensure these places remain healthy, protected, and accessible for generations to come.

3 Ways to Deepen Your Stewardship

Understand the Problem

In the spring of 2025, Leave No Trace and Penn State University gathered survey data that reveals how widespread concerns about parks have become among the recreating public. You can read the full survey results online.

  • 84.0% of respondents find the recent changes to federal conservation and public land management policy, budget, and staffing unacceptable.
  • 69.0% of avid outdoor recreationists indicate that these changes are influencing their plans for summer activities.
  • 50% anticipate that the changes in funding and cuts to the federal land-managing workforce will result in an increased reliance on local public lands.

Spread The Word

The real power of Leave No Trace is unlocked by sharing it with others. The 7 Principles framework is clear, actionable, and easily communicated to others.

Deepen Your Knowledge

Did you know that a person trained in Leave No Trace is 5 times more likely to actively protect nature than someone who has not completed an online or in-person course? Continue your Leave No Trace journey with our comprehensive training resources.

Earth Month graphic

Commit to learning, practicing, and sharing Leave No Trace this April. It takes 30 seconds and helps protect the places you love.

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