Winter is a dark time for RMFI. Imagine the first scene of “The Empire Strikes Back”, the Imperial Walkers are coming and our Ton-Tons are about to freeze, along with out hands and shovels and any drive to do trail maintenance, let alone request the help of volunteers (playing the Jedis of course).  The rebels are about to give up the fight against imperial erosion, I mean everything is covered in snow anyways, we can walk as our snowshoes and skis see fit, freedom like the Old Republic!

This freedom is, however, just never complete (shake fist at sky). In the winter footprints may be illusory, melting away with the spring, but that does not mean that Leave No Trace codes do not apply. In fact the winter has many special aspects to take into consideration.

• Avalanche Danger: Make sure you know the avalanche conditions of where you are going and how to assess and deal with those conditions as they arise and change. Leaving yourself and all your gear buried in the snow is far from LNT. It costs others time, money and stress and is not worth the risk of whinging it.
• Animal Sensitivity: Animals are much more stressed in the winter in terms of food and shelter. Harassing and surprising animals, forcing them to use precious calories, can have serious negative effects. Show your love and leave 'em be.
• Trail Disappearance: Perhaps we can't leave footprints in the winter but that also means that trails disappear - making it easier to get lost. Bring a map and know where you are going. Don't make some cozy ranger leave his post to organize a rescue.
• Fires: Dead, dry, downed and burnable wood is particularly hard to come by in the wet winter, upping the temptation to cut or break limbs of deadwood. Remember this is NOT considered LNT. The importance of bringing a stove for cooking is particularly important. As is bringing plenty of warm layers.
• Be polite to others: Sound carries extra well over the stark winter landscape, so keep those voices down. Also, don't camp right next to the trail just because there is a flat spot, move away a respectable distance.

Maybe those of us here at RMFI must struggle with purpose during the winter but for all of you skiers, snowboarders, ice-climbers, fishers, snowmobilers and other winter enthusiasts there is still the LNT ideal to live by. It's nice to see a springs free of trash and human waste so, as always, pack it out if you pack it in (or if biodegradable, hide really well). And when Spring 2012 roles around we will join the cause once again, wield our shovels and buckets with pride and start the yearly cycle of sustainable enjoyment of the outdoors once again.