Free CAG Environmental Stewardship & Leave No Trace Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the *core principle* of Leave No Trace (LNT)?

Accepted Answer

Plan ahead to avoid environmental damage and leave areas as you found them.

Answer

Leave natural and cultural artifacts untouched for others to discover.

Answer

Only pack out trash if it’s convenient.

Answer

Camp anywhere as long as you clean up afterward.

Question 2

How far should you camp from water sources to follow LNT?

Accepted Answer

At least 200 feet (60 meters).

Answer

As close as possible for easy access.

Answer

50 feet (15 meters).

Answer

Distance doesn’t matter if you’re careful.

Question 3

What is the proper way to dispose of human waste in the backcountry?

Accepted Answer

Bury it in a cathole 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water.

Answer

Leave it exposed to decompose faster.

Answer

Pack it out in a plastic bag.

Answer

Throw it into a river to disperse it.

Question 4

Why should you use a camp stove instead of making a fire?

Accepted Answer

Stoves are faster and leave no trace of fire rings or ash.

Answer

Fires are illegal everywhere.

Answer

Stoves are cheaper than firewood.

Answer

Fires attract wildlife.

Question 5

How should you wash dishes in the backcountry?

Accepted Answer

Use a small amount of biodegradable soap and scatter water 200 feet from water sources.

Answer

Wash directly in a stream to rinse thoroughly.

Answer

Leave dirty dishes for wildlife to clean.

Answer

Bury dishes with food scraps.

Question 6

What should you do if you encounter wildlife?

Accepted Answer

Observe from a distance and never feed them.

Answer

Approach slowly for a better photo.

Answer

Throw food to distract them while you pass.

Answer

Make loud noises to scare them away.

Question 7

What is the best way to minimize trail erosion?

Accepted Answer

Stick to the center of established trails.

Answer

Walk on the trail’s edge to avoid worn spots.

Answer

Create new shortcuts to reduce congestion.

Answer

Walk off-trail to spread out impact.

Question 8

Why is it important to pack out all trash, including food scraps?

Accepted Answer

Food scraps attract animals, altering their diets and behavior.

Answer

It’s only necessary in national parks.

Answer

Animals will clean up the scraps naturally.

Answer

Decomposition happens too slowly to matter.

Question 9

How can you reduce your impact when camping in pristine areas?

Accepted Answer

Choose durable surfaces and rotate campsites to avoid creating new trails.

Answer

Camp in the same spot to concentrate impact.

Answer

Build permanent structures for future campers.

Answer

Clear vegetation for a comfortable site.