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2018 Gold Standard Site Nominations

Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site Nomination

The Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site designation recognizes public lands implementing onsite Leave No Trace programs at the highest standard. National parks, national forests, grasslands, and waterways, state parks, wildlife refuges, land trusts, county and city managed areas and most other public lands are all eligible to receive Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation. So far, 10 areas across the country hold the Gold Standard Site designation.

Sites are selected based on a 40-point scale, with Gold Standard designation going to those scoring 30 or above. Scoring criteria is based on the following:
  • A history of successfully implementing Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics into management, programming, outreach and education efforts at their sites.
  • Staff that is formally trained in Leave No Trace.
  • Posted Leave No Trace signage throughout the area including trailheads, visitor centers and campgrounds. Leave No Trace language and messaging included in pamphlets, maps and other distributed materials for visitors.
  • Leave No Trace interpretative programs for the public including ranger talks, campfire events, and trail outings.
Nominations for 2018 Gold Standard sites will be accepted until March 31st.