In celebration of Earth Month, Winnebago Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of outdoor recreation products, has announced a new partnership with Leave No Trace, an environmental nonprofit organization, to promote environmental stewardship across boating and RV communities.
According to a press release, together, the two organizations have created the first set of RV- and marine-specific guidelines based on the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, offering tailored practices to help adventurers protect parks, campgrounds, roads, and waterways while enjoying the outdoors.
Stacy Bogart, chief legal officer and corporate responsibility lead at Winnebago Industries, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “At Winnebago Industries, we want to ensure the outdoors remains a place to find health, happiness and connection, and we want to empower our customers to do the same.”
“Our partnership with Leave No Trace supports our efforts to protect people and planet by promoting education on how to be good stewards of the outdoors while using our products,” Stacy added.
Leave No Trace, known for its science-based education and practical tools for outdoor ethics, has long promoted the 7 Principles: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impact, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Through this new partnership, these principles have now been adapted into detailed, activity-specific recommendations for RVers and boaters.
For RV users, the adapted guidelines include parking only in designated RV areas or on durable surfaces, driving slowly and cautiously through campgrounds and shared outdoor spaces, and keeping pets leashed or inside the RV to protect both the pets and surrounding wildlife.
For boaters, the new principles advise avoiding shallow waters where propellers can disturb marine life, thoroughly cleaning vessels before entering new waters to prevent the spread of invasive species, and navigating with minimal noise near residential areas and natural reserves to respect the environment and those who inhabit it.
Dana Watts, executive director of Leave No Trace, noted, “Responsible recreation is key to preserving the outdoor spaces we all enjoy. These new guidelines equip RVers and boaters with simple, effective ways to minimize their impact while still embracing adventure. We’re proud to partner with Winnebago Industries to bring these best practices to the community.”
Stacy Bogart added, “We know our customers and communities share our passion for the environment. Our partnership with Leave No Trace is another way we are elevating every moment outdoors and helping RV and boat owners make the most of their time outside.”
The launch of the partnership was featured on a recent episode of the Overland Journal podcast, with insights from Mark Nevils, senior manager of brand strategy for the Winnebago brand. Full versions of the RV and marine guidelines can be accessed and downloaded at www.winnebagoind.com/newsroom/our-stories.
These new guidelines hold particular significance for the RV industry as it marks a proactive step toward long-term environmental responsibility.
By integrating tailored sustainability education into the RV and boating experience, Winnebago and Leave No Trace are setting a precedent for how outdoor recreation brands can lead in conservation efforts, address growing environmental expectations among consumers, and help secure the future of the industry in an increasingly eco-conscious world.