Dog Task Force Committee Final Recommendations October 14, 2004

Transcription

1 Dog Task Force Committee Final Recommendations October 14, 2004 In the spring of 2003 the Juneau Parks and Recreation Staff submitted a proposal to limit dogs on the Rainforest Trail. Because many comments were received about a variety of issues related to dogs, Parks and Recreation staff decided to leave the Rainforest Trail as is, with dogs on leash, and to create a task force to look at the broader dog use issues. The Dog Task Force was created in October 2003, with representation from the various organizations and members listed below: Sue McGregor - Capital Kennel Club Sue Schrader - Public Kim Kiefer - Juneau Parks & Recreation Kathy Hocker - Discovery Southeast Mike Eberhardt - State Parks Chava Lee - Gastineau Humane Society Karla Hart - State Fish & Game Bob Grochow - Juneau Parks & Recreation Kathy Buss - Public Ron Marvin - US Forest Service James King - Trailmix The purpose of the task force was to facilitate a process that addresses four main issues: 1) the need for areas where dogs can run off leash for training, tracking and retrieving 2) possibly limiting dogs in some areas because of wildlife issues 3) designating some trails as no dog areas to represent all users 4) education on rules and good trail etiquette. To begin the process the Task Force broke up into three subcommittees - Parks and Trails, Wildlife, and Education. The Parks and Trails Subcommittee reviewed new trail and park development as well as areas that currently have higher dog use. The Wildlife Subcommittee originally reviewed all trails for unique wildlife habitat and then narrowed the list to those incorporated into the following high use areas. The Education Subcommittee reviewed current city ordinances and problems associated with enforcing ordinances. After meeting several times throughout the winter and early spring each subcommittee submitted their recommendations to the Dog Task Force Committee. Draft recommendations were posted for public comment in June, A public meeting was held on September 9, 2004 and written public comment was received through September 24, 2004 on the June, 2004 draft recommendations. The Dog Task Force met on October 14, 2004 to finalize recommendations based on the public comment received. The following recommendations resulted from the Dog Task Force Committee s review of the subcommittee's suggestions, public testimony and written comments. The Dog Task Force Committee realized during these meetings that enforcement wasn't the only solution. Educating the public seemed to become more crucial as the committee progressed. Several members of the public who attended these meetings took an active part and formed the "Grateful Dogs", an advocate for responsible dog owners. General committee recommendations: Revise the City and Borough of Juneau ordinances to allow the Parks and Recreation Director to establish leash regulations in city parks and trails. Change off leash to under competent voice control and establish a clear definition. Definition of competent voice control as found in the Title 8 CBJ Ordinance under Definitions: 1

2 Competent voice control means when all of the following are met: (a) The person exhibiting the voice control is present with the animal and monitors all of its activities; (b) The person exhibiting the voice control is capable of directing all of the animal s movements and activities by voice commands; and (c) The animal under voice control follows all of the vocal commands quickly and accurately Americorp volunteer: Recommend an Americorp volunteer be hired for a one-year period whose sole purpose would be to serve as an educational coordinator. It is envisioned that the volunteer would be working with all the groups, attend meetings, coordinate all educational plans and keep the momentum going. The committee would assist Gastineau Humane Society in establishing a job description and interview process. The cost would be approximately $10,000 for the year, which is considerably less than the cost of hiring a new enforcement officer. Create signage and should include courtesy by all trail users. Create sports areas on existing play fields. The areas can then be used to train dogs to be under competent voice control. Users must pick up after their dog. High use areas and committee recommendations for these areas: Amalga New Trail - Managed by CBJ Parks/State Parks/USFS Education: Public education and signage Recommendation: On leash or under competent voice control on the trail. Intended to reduce the impact of planned trails into this area, which is extremely rich in wildlife and contains sensitive habitats such as uplift meadows and mixed meadow/deciduous regions. Auke Lake Trail - Managed by CBJ Parks Education: Sign the trail as dog free. Recommendation: No dogs on the existing east trail of the lake or on the soon to be improved trail. Establishes a dog free trail for those who wish to walk somewhere without encountering dogs. Trail will be improved in the next five years. Airport Dike Trail - Managed by CBJ/Airport Education: Post signage and educate users on the requirements. Recommendation Statement: The Airport Dike Trail receives a high level of use by trail users of all kinds, and is immediately adjacent to critical wildlife habitat and encompasses the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge and airport. Because of these special circumstances, dog walkers should exercise a higher level of control than may be necessary elsewhere, and all trail users should be respectful of each other. It is recommended that people and dogs remain on the trail and dogs be on-leash or under competent voice control, to avoid wildlife disturbances, especially during seasonal nesting and shorebird migration. Airport management wants to remind everyone that this trail is foremost an emergency vehicle access road and is used at various times by emergency vehicles and to use caution and to "give way" should you be on the trail at the same time. Dogs running around scaring birds cause birds to fly around more often thereby creating safety hazards. Dogs off-leash also go inside the airport perimeter fence thereby creating a direct hazard to aircraft and themselves and compounding the possibility of owners having to enter a restricted area to retrieve them. Neither situation is conducive to aviation safety, the dog or owner. 2

3 DZ Trail System - Managed by CBJ Parks Education: Sign the trail as dog free. Recommendation: New trail being constructed behind DZ School as a no dog area. This trail will be used extensively for outdoor education for DZ school. Establishes a dog free trail for those who wish to walk somewhere without encountering dogs. Eagle Beach - Managed by State Parks Education: Address concerns about dog related impacts on the large numbers of migratory waterfowl and over wintering shore birds that use the estuary for feeding and resting. Recommendation: The public be advised of usage requirements through education. Fish Creek - Managed by CBJ Parks & State Game Refuge Education: Public education and signage important. Recommendation: Dogs be on leash or under competent voice control except while hunting in game refuge area. No dogs on new spur trail on east pond dike. Post signage Future home of a wildlife viewing area. Addresses concerns about dog related impacts on the large numbers of migratory waterfowl that use the estuary for feeding and resting. Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei Trail/Brotherhood Bridge - Managed by CBJ Parks Education: Better signage on specific trail use and clean up requirement. Recommendation: The paved trail be under competent voice control before 8:00 AM year round and on leash from 8:00 AM to closing. Addresses requests by dog owners to legalize off-leash dog walking in this area. Recommendation: The hiking trail between the paved trail and river be off leash and under competent voice control and be improved where it is washing away. Addresses requests by dog owners to legalize off leash dog walking in this area. Mt. Roberts Trail - Managed by State and CBJ Parks Education: Education and signage needed. Recommendation: On leash or under competent voice control in area between tram terminal and the intersection of Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak. Enhances wildlife viewing opportunities in this area by allowing wildlife to neutrally habituate to humans on trails, and addresses the issue of out-of-control dogs in a high traffic area. Outer Point Trail System - Managed by CBJ Parks Outer Point Trail: Education: Signage and public education important. Recommendation: Restriction would apply if it is a commercial trail. On leash or under competent voice control April 1 - September 30 and off leash October 1 - March 31 with no hour restrictions. Non commercial trail would be an off leash trail. Addresses request by dog owners to legalize off-leash dog walking on the Outer Point trail system. Rainforest Trail: Current commercial use trail and constructed with passenger fee money. Education: Signage and public education important. 3

4 Recommendation: Restriction would apply if it is a commercial trail. On leash April 1 - September 30 and off leash October 1 - March 31 with no hour restrictions. Non commercial trail would be an off leash trail. Addresses request by dog owners to legalize off-leash dog walking on the Outer Point trail system. Perserverance Trail - Managed by State and CBJ Parks Education: Signage needed. Recommendation: Mount Juneau Trail to trail end be off leash and under competent voice control. Police Station - Managed by CBJ Parks Education: Sign the trail as dog free. Recommendation: No dogs on the loop trail between the police station and Egan Drive. This area was designed as an outdoor classroom for DZ classes to study wetlands; this recommendation would minimize impacts to the wetland. Savikko Park - Managed by CBJ Parks Sandy Beach (Does not include Harbor) Education: Signage needed and education regarding clean up below tide line. Recommendation: Off leash and under competent voice control below logs at high tide line. Addresses requests by dog owners to legalize off-leash dog walking on Sandy Beach. Treadwell Mine Historic Trail and Picnic Area Education: Signage needed. Recommendation: On leash in Sandy Beach picnic area and Treadwell Mine Historic Trail area. Savikko Park Fields See in Field Use section Switzer Creek System - Managed by CBJ Parks Education: Signage important Recommendation: Clear-cut area located up the hill be an off leash area. Allows for off-leash dog walking in an area away from the sensitive meadows and riparian zone around Switzer Creek. Twin Lakes - Managed by CBJ Parks Education: Comprehensive public education needed because of high use. Signs that change to reflect changes in regulations. Recommendation: Parking lot to north end of large lawn area - Jupiter on the path - is always an on leash area. Recommendation: Area from the end of open grass area to the area where both lakes meet is on leash from 10 am to 8 pm. Recommendation: Area north from there to the Pioneers Home end is under competent voice control. These requirements will be established for a trial period after educating the public. Addresses requests by dog owners to legalize off leash dog walking at Twin Lakes and allow dogs in the summer. Sports Field Dog Use Chart Managed by CBJ Parks The following is a summer and winter listing of all the city fields available for off leash exercise and dog training. Public education and clean up of dog feces is very important for continued use. 4

5 Proposed Off-Leash Dog Field Use (Closed during maintenance activities and sports use) March 15 thru October 15 Field Weekdays Saturday Sunday Comments Aant'iyeik Park Field 1 Until 3PM Park Hours Aant'iyeik Park Field 2 Until 3PM Park Hours Dimond Park Field 1 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Dimond Park Field 2 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Dimond Park Field 3 Until 3PM Park Hours Dimond Park Field 4 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Dzantik I Heeni Field1 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Dzantik I Heeni Field2 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Glacier Valley Field 1 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Glacier Valley Field 2 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Lena Loop Park Field 1 Until 3PM Park Hours Lena Loop Park Field 2 Until 3PM Park Hours Melvin Park Field 1 Until 3PM Park Hours Melvin Park Field 2 Until 3PM Park Hours Melvin Park Field 3 Until 3PM Park Hours Mendenhall River Field 1 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Mendenhall River Field 2 *Until 3PM Park Hours *Closed on school days. Savikko Park Field 2 Until 3PM Park Hours. October 16 thru March 14 Field Weekdays Saturday Sunday Comments Aant'iyeik Park Field 1 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours No snow removal. Aant'iyeik Park Field 2 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours No snow removal. Dimond Park Field 1 Park Hours Park Hours Dimond Park Field 2 Park Hours Park Hours Dimond Park Field 3 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours Dimond Park Field 4 Park Hours Park Hours Dzantik I Heeni Field1 Park Hours Park Hours Dzantik I Heeni Field2 Park Hours Park Hours Glacier Valley Field 1 Park Hours Park Hours Glacier Valley Field 2 Park Hours Park Hours Lena Loop Park Field 1 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours No snow removal. Lena Loop Park Field 2 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours No snow removal. Melvin Park Field 1 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours No snow removal. Melvin Park Field 2 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours No snow removal. Melvin Park Field 3 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours No snow removal. Mendenhall River Field 1 Park Hours Park Hours Mendenhall River Field 2 Park Hours Park Hours Savikko Park Field 1 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours Savikko Park Field 2 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours Savikko Park Field 3 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours Savikko Park Field 4 Park Hours Park Hours Park Hours 5

6 The Education Subcommittee submitted the following comments and recommendations: We decided to make a mission statement in order to let the public know that educating ALL of Juneau trail users to the importance of being good neighbors and good citizens was important to us. While we recognize we are tasked with determining good dog behavior, we also realize that many (if not most) of all dog owners and individuals who walk with dogs and use the Juneau trail system and parks want to be respectful of other users. If we single out dog walkers without any discussion or comment on other users, dog walkers will not buy into any proposals we make and will feel they are being unfairly singled out. Our mission: Encourage and promote good citizenship and compliance with community regulations so as to ensure the continued multiple uses of Juneau s recreational resources through the use of education, uniform signage and community outreach. Our educational approach will focus on good citizenship; good will between user groups with different needs; human and dog interaction and safety; and approaches to decrease the number of negative encounters between people and dogs. We will also partner as many and as diverse a group of organizations together as possible. The Education Subcommittee is pursuing a number of ways to get the community involved including: A special web site dedicated to dogs on trails; information available with links to a number of web sites including CBJ, Gastineau Humane Society(GHS), Grateful Dogs, Capital City Kennel Club of Juneau, recorded messages about trail use (could be on GHS and possibly other telephone messages); trail information in all applicable newsletters; public service announcements; interviews on radio shows; public access television; TV spots; scanner channel information; dog training programs and classes through the different training groups; speakers who can speak to interested groups including school classes; repeating the same information between different groups and through various media. Information could be sent out in a mass mailing to all Juneau residents and/or to residents with dogs and/or with dog license renewals. We also propose the following: 1. Establish Friends Of trails and parks Developed in a manner similar to groups that clean up roads Have days/times set aside to clean the park and/or trails Groups would be organized in a manner similar to the groups that take on cleaning portions of highways and roads Each group would have a contact person Contact person and phone number would be available through various organizations 2. Find creative ways to find funds for an additional person who would work primarily with children in the schools. Cost estimate for salary, training and equipment is $65, Develop informational signage for trails and parks Informational Signage: Signs posted at the beginning of the trails or at strategic locations with trail information such as the flora, fauna, descriptions and restrictions for the trail. Leash required area or off leash and under competent voice control area (with the admonition that dogs must be under the handlers control at all times). The competent voice control means when all the following are met: 1. The person exhibiting the voice control is present with the animal and monitors all of its activities; 2. The person exhibiting the voice control is capable of directing all of the animal's movements and activities by voice commands; and 3. The animal under voice control follows all of the vocal commands quickly and accurately. Signs or verbiage on signs of where/who to call to report problems Signs at ballparks indicating availability of fields for training (sign would have the capability to drop down and would say: open to dogs or closed to dogs). Warning signs about picking up dog feces: DOG HANDLERS: You MUST pick up dog feces and deposit them in the proper receptacle. Failure to do so will result in closure of this park (ball field etc). Wildlife signage: Hot Spot - white sign with large red spot in the center with wording to indicate specific hot spot. Ex: nesting terns 200ft OR delicate tundra next 200 yards etc and the wording: please stay on the trail. Sign with a picture and description of the bird/wildlife/habitat 6

7 The signs are seen as an educational tool to remind people that the trail has specific wildlife or habitat that we must all work to save. Education Priorities Dog owner rights Dog owner responsibilities Non dog owner rights Non dog owner responsibilities Dog ordinances Dog owners as good citizens Dog owners as good trail users Non dog owners who use trails frequented by dogs Better poop compliance Where to go for information Who to call if there is a problem Who are the stakeholders Why compliance is important Dog and wildlife Migration and nesting times How to get involved Statistics: dog bites animal/human/trail info For domestic animal control problems and/or complaints call Animal Control at For animal complaints on State Trails and Parks call the local office at or the Southeast Regional Office at The following is a list of all Juneau trails, parks, their management, current and proposed regulations. Recommendation to post at trailheads as part of public education. EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRAIL REGULATIONS Current Proposed Area/Trail Comments Regulation Regulation Management Adair/Kennedy Park On Leash On Leash /Schools Airport Dike Trail Dog walkers asked On Leash On Leash, or CBJ Airport to exercise a high level of control, especially during April-Aug. Amalga Meadows Park On Leash On Leash, or (North of Amalga Harbor Rd) Amalga Meadows Park (South of Amalga Harbor Rd) No Change On Leash On Leash Aant'iyeik Park Auk Nu Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Auke Bay Park No Change On Leash On Leash Auke Lake Trail On Leash No Dogs Auke Lake Wayside No Change On Leash On Leash Auke Recreation Area No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Bessie Creek Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Blackerby Ridge Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash CBJ/State/USFS *VC -- under competent voice control 7

8 EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRAIL REGULATIONS Current Proposed Area/Trail Comments Regulation Regulation Management Bonnie Brae Park No Change On Leash On Leash Boy Scout Beach No Change Off Leash Off Leash State DNR Boy Scout Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash CBJ/Boys Scouts Breadline Bluff Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Bridget Cove Trails No Change On Leash On Leash Capital Park No Change On Leash On Leash Cathedral Park No Change On Leash On Leash Chicken Yard Park No Change On Leash On Leash Cope Park No Change On Leash On Leash Dan Bishop Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Dan Moller Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Dimond Park Schools Dredge Lakes Area No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Dzantik'i Heeni School Fields Schools Dzantik'i Heeni Trail On Leash No Dogs Eagle Beach State Recreation Area - Uplands No Change On Leash On Leash State Eagle Beach State Recreation Area - Tidelands No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Eagle Glacier Trail/Yankee Basin Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Eaglecrest Ski Area Off leash summer. Off Leash No Off Leash No CBJ Eaglecrest No dogs on groomed Dogs Dogs trails during ski season. East Glacier/Nugget Cr Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Ernest Gruening State Historic Park No Change On Leash On Leash State Evergreen Cemetery No Change No Dogs No Dogs False Outer Point Beach Access No Change On Leash On Leash Favorite Channel Beach Access No Change On Leash On Leash Fish Creek Park No Change On Leash On Leash Fish Creek Park East Pond Dike Trail Short trail no dogs On Leash No Dogs Fish Creek Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Five Mile Beach Access North Douglas No Change On Leash On Leash Flume Trail No Change On Leash On Leash AEL&P Glacier Valley School Fields Schools Granite Creek Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Gunakadeit Park No Change On Leash On Leash Heinztleman Ridge Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash CBJ USFS Herbert Glacier Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Homestead Park No Change On Leash On Leash Indian Point Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Jordan Creek Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei Hiking Trail On Leash Off Leash Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei Horse Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei Paved Trail *VC -- under competent voice control On leash 8 am to closing; off leash before 8 am year round On Leash Off Leash - Before 8 am year round 8

9 EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRAIL REGULATIONS Current Proposed Area/Trail Comments Regulation Regulation Management Lake Creek Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Lemon Creek Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Lena Cove Recreation Area No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Lena Loop Park Lena Pt Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Marine Park No Change On Leash On Leash Melvin Park On Leash On/Off Leash Mendenhall River School Fields Schools Mendenhall Peninsula Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Mendenhall Peninsula Wetlands Access No Change On Leash On Leash Mendenhall Wetlands No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Mendenhaven Park No Change On Leash On Leash Mine Camp Ruins Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Minnie Field Beach Access No Change On Leash On Leash Montana Creek Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Kax Trail to Montana Cr Rd end Montana Creek Trail - Beyond Montana Cr Rd end No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Moraine Ecology Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Mt Jumbo Trail - Trailhead to end of meadow No Change On Leash On Leash Mt Jumbo Trail - End of meadow to summit No Change On Leash On Leash AK Mental Health Mt Juneau Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Mt Roberts Trail - Trailhead to Tram No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Mt Roberts Trail - Tram to Gold Ridge Off Leash On Leash, or State/CBJ Mt Roberts Trail - Beyond Gold Ridge No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Ninemile Creek Wetlands Access No Change On Leash On Leash Ninemile Creek Road Wetlands Access No Change On Leash On Leash Ninemile North Douglas Beach Access No Change On Leash On Leash North Tee Harbor Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Outer Point Bluff Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Outer Point Loop Trail (if not commercially used) On Leash Off Leash Pearl Harbor Beach Access No Change On Leash On Leash Perseverance Trail (Trailhead to Mt. Juneau Trail) No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Perseverance Trail (Mt. Juneau Trail to trail end) On Leash Off Leash, Peterson Creek Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Police Station Trail On Leash No Dogs Powerline Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Pt Bishop/Dupont Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Pt Bridget State Park/Trails No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Rainforest Trail (if commercially used) On leash/ 4/1-9/30; off leash 10/1-3/31 Red Mill Trail/AJ Glory Hole Overlook Trail On Leash Off Leash, *VC -- under competent voice control 9

10 EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRAIL REGULATIONS Current Proposed Area/Trail Comments Regulation Regulation Management Riverside Rotary Park No Change On Leash On Leash Savikko Park Treadwell Mine Historic Trail and Picnic Area On Leash On Leash, or Savikko Park - Sandy Beach Off leash below high On Leash Off Leash, tide line Savikko Park Fields Sheep Creek Beach No Change Off Leash Off Leash State DNR Sheep Creek Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash State Parks Sigoowu Ye Park No Change On Leash On Leash Situwan Park No Change On Leash On Leash Smuggler's Cove Beach Access No Change On Leash On Leash Spaulding Meadows Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Sunshine Cove Trails No Change On Leash On Leash Switzer Creek Park/Trails No Change On Leash On Leash Switzer Creek Trail Mountain Ave thru old clear cut On Leash Off Leash in clear cut area Thunder Mountain Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash CBJ USFS Tolch Rock Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Treadwell Ditch Trail - Eaglecrest Access Trail Off leash summer. Off Leash No Off Leash No No dogs on groomed Dogs trails during ski season. Dogs Eaglecrest Treadwell Ditch Trail - Fish Cr to Blueberry Hills No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Treadwell Ditch Trail - Bonnie Brae Access Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Treadwell Ditch Trail - Blueberry Hills to Bear Cr No Change Off Leash Off Leash State DNR Lands Treadwell Ditch Trail - Blueberry Hills Access Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Treadwell Ditch Trail - Bear Cr to Mt. Jumbo Trail No Change On Leash On Leash Treadwell Ditch Trail - Gastineau Meadows Access No Change On Leash On Leash Treadwell Mine Historic Trails No Change On Leash On Leash Twin Lakes Park - Parking lot to north end of large lawn area - Jupiter on the path Twin Lakes Park - North end of large lawn area to point where lakes meet Twin Lakes Park - North of where lakes meet to trail end Current: No dogs July & August. Proposed: Dogs allowed year round on leash. Dogs allowed year round. Off leash/ until 10am On leash 10am-8 pm Off leash/ until 10am, on leash 10am-8 pm On Leash No Dogs On Leash No Dogs On Leash No Dogs On Leash On/Off Leash, Off Leash, West Glacier Trail/Mt. McGinnis No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS Windfall Lake Trail No Change Off Leash Off Leash USFS *VC -- under competent voice control I:\dog task force\final Recommendations Oct 04.doc 10