Morgantown, WV: Leave No Trace recently announced the designation of Visit Mountaineer
Country Convention and Visitors Bureau (VMCCVB) Youth Outdoor Steward Training Program as a Leave No Trace
Gold Standard Youth Program. This honor is awarded to sites, organizations and programs that demonstrate
excellence in implementing the Leave No Trace principles which are essential in minimizing the impact of natural
resources and ensuring a sustainable future for natural areas. Visit Mountaineer Country’s Youth Outdoor Steward
Training Program earned the recognition for its role as a leader in promoting responsible enjoyment in the
outdoors.
“Leave No Trace is thrilled to announce the Visit Mountaineer Country CVB Youth Outdoor Steward Training
Program as a Gold Standard Youth Program,” said Dana Watts, Leave No Trace Executive Director. “Teaching Leave
No Trace to youth is critical to inspire the next generation of stewards. Visit Mountaineer Country has implemented
Leave No Trace at the highest level throughout their program.”
In order to be designated as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Youth Program, organizations must meet the following
criteria:
● Formally train staff in Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics;
● Provide opportunities for youth participants to learn Leave No Trace principles and skills;
● Successfully implement Leave No Trace practices into management and programs; and
● Demonstrate a commitment to preserving the health of the areas where programs are held
“Receiving this designation is a testament to our commitment to tourism education,” said Susan Riddle, president
and CEO of Visit Mountaineer Country. “Through the work of our Destination Development Coordinators, Kathryn
Carter and Stella Hehnly, we’ve successfully introduced the Leave No Trace principles to more than 1,500 students
in our region. We also won the West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism’s “Future of Tourism” award in
2023 and 2024 for our Leave No Trace efforts. This designation is a huge step for us as we continue to build
awareness around the tourism industry – starting with our youth.”
About Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace organization is a national nonprofit that protects the outdoors by empowering everyone
through science, hands-on training, and simple guidelines. The Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation
recognizes sites and organizations that center responsible recreation and sustainability in their work. The Gold
Standard designation is the organization’s highest form of recognition. For more information, visit: www.LNT.org.
About Visit Mountaineer Country
The Mountaineer Country tourism region in North Central West Virginia comprises Monongalia, Preston, Taylor,
Harrison, Marion, Barbour and Doddridge Counties. Visit Mountaineer Country CVB strives to increase the tourism
economy by marketing and selling the destination to our guests by “wowing” them and encouraging them to stay
one more night and spend one more dollar. Through Leave No Trace, Visit Mountaineer Country teaches children
the importance of protecting outdoor spaces and responsible tourism practices. It also Introduces area youth to the
diverse career opportunities available within the tourism industry. These efforts aim to nurture local talent and
secure a promising future workforce for the region.

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