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Buffalo National River has been recognized as a Gold Medal site for "Leave No Trace" practices/NPS
Light-on-the-land practices at Buffalo National River in Arkansas have earned the park recognition as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
With the award the national river joins a group of 12 national and state parks to earn this honor. Buffalo National River is the sixth National Park Service site to receive this designation and the first in Arkansas.
Leave No Trace is a set of principles that teach people how to recreate responsibly and with minimal negative impacts on the environment. In order to be named a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site, a park must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate successful implementation of Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics into management, programming, outreach and education efforts at the site.
- Formally train staff and community partners in Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
- Include Leave No Trace language and messaging on signs at trailheads, visitor centers and campgrounds as well as in pamphlets, maps and other distributed materials for visitors.
- Facilitate Leave No Trace interpretive programs including ranger talks, campfire events and trail outings for visitors.
“Leave No Trace is thrilled to announce Buffalo National River as a designated Gold Standard Site,” said Dana Watts, Leave No Trace executive director. “The hard work of staff and local community stakeholders means that Buffalo National River is a leading force in the Leave No Trace movement nationally and an example of how effective the role of education is in protecting our public lands.”
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