Dogs at the Greenport Conservation Area

In response to complaints about offleash dogs at the Greenport Conservation Area, the Columbia Land Conservancy is heightening its enforcement of the rule that dogs walked in the conservation area must be leashed. CLC is increasing its presence at the site, and the Greenport animal control officer will be issuing tickets to dog walkers who ignore the leash rule.

CLC Executive Director Peter Paden explains: "Unleashed dogs prevent people from enjoying the conservation area. We don’t want people to worry about dogs bounding toward them. Many people are afraid of dogs. They have the right to enjoy the park without being confronted with this fear. Unleashed dogs can also pose a problem for dog owners whose pets are on a leash. Occasionally, unleashed dogs get into altercations with other dogs or nip people, and this is unacceptable.”

In a press release, CLC points out that unleashed dogs are also a threat to wildlife, and one of the primary purposes of the Greenport Conservation Area is to protect nature.

Columbia Land Conservancy is inviting comments on the subject at their website. CLC is also hosting a public forum to discuss why the leash rule is important and how to ensure more compliance on Tuesday, August 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 555 Joslen Boulevard, in Greenport.

Dogs in the Greenport Conservation Area is also the topic of today's editorial in the Register-Star: "Must love dogs."

Photo of CLC staffer talking with dog walker at the Greenport Conservation Area is from the Columbia Land Conservancy website.