Leave No Trace on the Matanuska Glacier

Leaving no trace on the glacier ensures that it is pristine and protected for years to come. Leave no trace (LNT) means leaving a place better than you found it, sticking to the trail, picking up your trash, and essentially only leaving footprints behind. All of the landscapes in Alaska are interconnected. Trash on the glacier won’t decompose and pollutes our waterways; hurting wildlife. Be sure to pick up your trash and help us protect the places that make Alaska so beautiful.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

The 7 principles are guidelines to follow to ensure you protect the landscapes you visit and enjoy your time out in nature. Here’s how they apply to your glacier adventure!

Plan Ahead and Prepare: Look at the weather before your trip and pack accordingly. This includes bringing a water bottle, snacks, extra layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
This can also apply to leaving with plenty of time to arrive at NOVA before your trip.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Travel with your guide along the trails, the bridge, or on flatter patches of ice. The glacier is full of hazards so you’ll want to listen to your guide on where and where not to step.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all your trash and pick up any trash you may find. That means putting any snack wrappers in a zipper pocket so they don’t litter the glacier!
Leave What You Find: While you may pick out a rock or two to take home, leave any plants or wildlife alone.
Minimize Campfire Impacts: This isn’t an issue on the glacier, but may apply to the rest of your Alaska vacation especially in camping. Be sure to put out any campfires you may enjoy on your trip to Alaska.
Respect Wildlife: While wildlife on or around the glacier is rare, give them plenty of space if you come across them. These animals need to be treated with respect!
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: You’ll come across other groups while on the glacier. This means you may need to share photo spots, wait for groups to pass, and space out in different areas. Be respectful of others and always listen to your guide to ensure everyone has a good experience.

Keep Alaska Wild

Leaving no trace betters the landscapes you’ll enjoy on your trip to Alaska. By following these principles we can ensure that Alaska is wild and beautiful for generations to visit. We at NOVA do our part in following LNT to help protect the places we love to share with you!