Naturalize your site when breaking camp, to make it less likely that another group will camp there soon. This gives the site a better chance of retaining its wild qualities. Check for trash and misplaced equipment. Take time to replace any rocks or sticks that may have been moved, cover scuffed-up areas with natural materials, and brush out footprints or matted grass with a stick to make your site less obvious. Where Impact Is Just Beginning.
Most vegetation can recover completely from a limited amount of use.
However, a point is eventually reached when the vegetation cannot keep pace with the amount of trampling it receives. This point is affected by many variables, including vegetation, soil and length of growing season. Alpine areas and wet sites are particularly vulnerable to human use. Once the threshold is reached, continued use will cause the site to deteriorate rapidly. An established trail or campsite develops that can take many years to recover.