Yes, the West Seattle Blog covered this before, but here’s a reminder that the public can submit comments about the Parks Department’s People, Dogs and Parks draft policy. Comments go to Rachel Acosta (Rachel.Acosta@Seattle.gov), and the deadline is Oct. 14. The draft policy is quite long, but you can just look at the recommendations (Section 8, Page 41 – 43). I am pretty happy with the proposal – I am a dog-lover who is concerned about establishing off-leash areas in places like Lincoln Park. Some concerns include, for starters:
Off-leash dogs in natural areas have been shown to significantly degrade these areas.
Off-leash dogs harm or even kill wildlife, plus they can damage or destroy habitat for birds and small mammals.
Destroying vegetation, causing erosion.
Contamination of soil via unscooped dog waste. Contamination of water, including E-coli from dog waste, has been scientifically proven to exist.
Six parks in Seattle, including Lincoln Park, are designated Marine Reserves – sensitive ecological areas.
Now, I realize not everyone agrees with me (and many others), but, whether you do or don’t, you are encouraged to submit your comments.
Here’s a link to the plan:
http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/PoliciesPlanning/Plans/Response_to_SLI_69-1-B-1_(Dog_Off-Leash_Areas).pdf
