The Ritt Kellogg Fund values wilderness. Expeditions are expected to minimize impacts to wild places for the following reasons:
The increasing popularity of wilderness travel and pursuits threatens the integrity and pristine nature of wilderness environments.
Grant recipients are ambassadors of Colorado College and the Ritt Kellogg Fund.
The Fund exists in memorial to Ritt Kellogg, who as a climber and teacher of wilderness skills and values embodied the Leave No Trace philosophy.

All funding proposals must describe plans to follow the principals of Leave No Trace. While these guidelines provide a general context for backcountry travel, the location and activity will require adjustments and particular techniques. For example, disposal of human waste on glaciated terrain will differ from river trips in sensitive or high use areas. The 'Plan Ahead and Prepare,' directive may be the most important guideline.

The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics form the framework of Leave No Trace's message:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 6. Respect Wildlife
3. Dispose of Waste Properly 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
4. Leave What You Find    
 

 

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
Repackage food to minimize waste.

 

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses
or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

 

Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

 

Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

 

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. In general the Ritt Kellogg Fund discourages campfires in wilderness settings.
Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

 

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

 

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

 

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