In 2023, more than 3 million people visited the Appalachian Trail. As the number of AT hikers continues to rise, heavy foot traffic has eroded soil and damaged vegetation, while litter and trash have affected the trail’s aesthetics and disrupted wildlife. More than ever, educating people on how to reduce their impact as they explore the outdoors is critical. Sitting about five miles from the AT in Manchester, VT, The Mountain Goat gear store is doing its part to spread the message.  

The 37-year-old outdoor specialty store produces brochures that not only highlight local day hikes but also educate people on Leave No Trace principles. Founded 30 years ago, Leave No Trace (LNT) is a non-profit organization in Boulder, CO, that offers guidelines to help people enjoy nature responsibly.  

“We believe strongly in The Leave No Trace organization because their mission really aligns with our goal to protect the recreation spaces we love,” says Aaron Krinsky, manager of The Mountain Goat. 

In 2019, The Mountain Goat joined the LNT Community Partner program, which enables the store to use Leave No Trace logos and verbiage on educational and promotional materials. When people flock to the AT on a busy weekend, the store hands out dozens of brochures. It also goes through stacks while exhibiting at Trail Days, an annual spring event in Manchester that celebrates the AT. 

“We talk to a lot of people who are new-ish to hiking, and they’re not really familiar with Leave No Trace,” says Krinsky. “The brochure is a talking point—a way to start a conversation about Leave No Trace principles.”  

Thanks to the Community Partner Program, small businesses like The Mountain Goat can access affordable resources to engage and educate the public. By working directly with its local community, the store dramatically expands the reach of the Leave No Trace organization. 

Community Partner Program  

About 20 years ago, LNT launched the Community Partner program to support and recognize the importance of working with other non-profits, small businesses, education entities, tourism industry businesses, youth-focused organizations, parks, and municipalities. According to Elise Robinson, LNT’s manager of training and programs, LNT has 457 Community Partners, including 51 international entities.  

“Community Partners have spread Leave No Trace further than we could on our own,” says Robinson. “They are involved in their area and have opportunities to share Leave No Trace with their customers, students, locals and visitors, those recreating in their community, and more.” 

The Community Partner Program has four membership levels with annual fees ranging from $150 to $1,000. For $150, a partner receives the following: 

• Use of the Leave No Trace logo and Proud Partner logo for marketing, communications, and education materials
• Access to the exclusive Partner Resource Page, where you can download educational and promotional resources 
• A 20-percent discount on Leave No Trace merchandise and educational materials
• The ability to cobrand various Leave No Trace education materials, including reference cards, the Seven Principles poster, Pocket Guide, and Principles Trifold
• The ability to create cobranded signage

Partners at the $1,000 level get all of these benefits and access to programs offered by Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers or Leave No Trace staff. 

Spreading the LNT Message 

Whatever level an outdoor retailer chooses, Robinson recommends that the store display the Leave No Trace logo in the shop. “We’re seeing a trend that consumers prefer businesses that protect nature,” she says, adding that the Leave No Trace logo “is recognizable and demonstrates to their customers their commitment to preserving the outdoors.” 

The Mountain Goat’s commitment to protecting the outdoors is evident even before you walk into the store. “We have it posted on the front door that we’re a Leave No Trace partner,” says Krinsky. However, the store also works to spread the LNT message beyond its walls, whether interacting with hikers at trail events or providing brochures to local hotels and the Manchester Vermont Visitor Center.  

Every touchpoint makes a difference, and every effort to inform the public helps reduce damage to the trails, vegetation, and wildlife on local paths, including the AT. Through the Community Partner program, outdoor retailers create a ripple effect, spreading the LNT message, and as Robison will attest, “That ripple effect is huge.”