Outdoor Ethics

The BLM welcomes you to explore and enjoy America’s public lands and waters. With millions of visits each year, even small actions can add up. Practicing outdoor ethics helps protect natural and cultural resources, honor local stakeholders, and keep landscapes healthy for future generations.

Know Before You Go

A little preparation in advance – and thoughtful behavior while you’re out – can make a big difference. Extra care may be warranted when visiting lands with Tribal heritage and congressionally designated Wilderness Areas, and when camping.

BLM’s Know Before You Go webpage provides links to important topics to consider before your trip.

Practice Outdoor Ethics

BLM honors national guidelines that promote responsible recreation on public lands. 

Leave No Trace provides practical guidance to help every visitor enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Tread Lightly! promotes responsible fishing, dirt biking, off‑roading, camping, and other recreation activities through stewardship, education, and communication.

Protect Natural and Cultural Resources

Practicing responsible outdoor ethics includes protecting natural and cultural resources – whether visiting cultural sites, exploring places with fossils, understanding what you can or cannot collect, managing human waste responsibly, or simply choosing to leave places untouched or better than you found them.