North Carolina’s Coastal Leave No Trace

Photo: VisitNC.com

In honor of National Tourism week, we’re highlighting some of Leave No Trace’s amazing tourism partnerships. North Carolina made waves when they officially partnered with Leave No Trace in 2020. Not only did they become Leave No Trace’s first eastern state to partner, but the first ever coastal partnership as well. Visit NC and The North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Office teamed up with Leave No Trace with the goal to educate locals and visitors alike on how to enjoy North Carolina’s incredible natural landscapes responsibly. Through this work we created the Outdoor NC initiative.

Visit NC has a number of other partners that have a shared interest in supporting NC tourism’s mission and supply wonderful opportunities for sustainable tourism. Their knowledge and expertise of the area help supply insider information into some of the best outdoor areas. While inviting people to explore the incredible beaches of the outer banks, the dense forests of Jackson County, fly fishing near Cashiers and so much more, they have also committed to educating visitors in how to put the Leave No Trace Seven Principles into action. 

While North Carolina boasts of many incredible landscapes, it’s important to note how the Leave No Trace Principles apply when enjoying the coast. For this reason, Visit NC and Leave No Trace created a coastal version of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles to help prevent future recreation related impacts in this unique ecosystem.  

Leave No Trace’s partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina is monumental for the preservation of this incredible coastal landscape. With the ongoing support of local partners, residents and visitors, these diverse natural areas can be preserved for generations to come. 

Not only that, but by continuing preservation efforts in the area, the local economy will benefit as well. In North Carolina, every $1.00 spent on trail construction generates $1.72 annually from local business revenue, sales, tax revenue and benefits related to health and transportation. 

Landscapes like North Carolina’s coast line are incredibly special and imperative to preserve. Read on below to further understand how the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace apply in this coastal paradise. To learn more about Outdoor NC visit OutdoorNC.com. 

To learn more about how Leave No Trace’s tourism partnership can benefit your local community both ecologically and economically check out our inquiry page or contact Andrew Leary Director of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships. [email protected]

Poster: OutdoorNC.com