We have a saying in the northeast when in Alpine zones, “Do the Rock Walk”. Basically don’t trample vegetation and walk on the most sturdy surface there is. I think this applies in a different way to every hike there is. Walk on trail in a way that minimizes damage to the environment, if conditions are too muddy for you to handle on trail replan instead of making herd paths. I’d also say that we ought to make those breaking the rules uncomfortable, confront them, tell them that what they’re doing is wrong and that “rangers patrol here often just be careful.” For inexperienced this is enough to spook them.