Canis lupus familiaris In Our Fragmented Woods
Redding Land Trust’s mission is to protect Redding’s woods, meadows, wetlands, and vistas for the benefit of our town’s residents and visitors, our wildlife and natural resources, and for future generations. Our goal is to protect our community’s open spaces for the enjoyment of everyone in our community.
In keeping with this mission, we have instituted a permanent rule where all dogs must be on leashes at all times while on Redding Land Trust properties and trails. We love that our community enjoys the Redding Land Trust properties, but if we can’t trust people to follow the rule we may be forced to ban dogs in order to protect these open spaces. Those who don’t follow the rule will be asked to leave.
With increased trail usage and a growing number of dogs off leash, we have concluded a permanent rule is necessary for the protection of the lands that are entrusted to us, and for the enjoyment of the entire community. (No dogs were allowed on any RLT properties back in the day, and many other land trusts prohibit dogs altogether!)
Here are just some of the reasons this rule has been instituted:
Dogs need to be on leash at all times to protect and preserve our abundant but fragile wildlife, most species of which perceive dogs as predators. Ground nesting birds are heavily distressed by dogs and may abandon or lose their nests, or even suffer injuries from unleashed dogs. Many populations of ground nesting birds are in long-term decline on a regional basis.
Dogs that run off the trails contribute significantly to erosion, already an issue in forests infiltrated by invasive species - and human recreation!
Off-leash dogs that swim in wetland areas, such as streams, ponds, marshes and vernal pools, destroy the delicate balance of these areas. Waterfowl and other birds that use wetland areas are frightened away from their nests. Dogs wading through vernal pools and marshes have a negative impact on these important amphibian breeding sites. Egg masses left behind by wood frogs, spring peepers, and various species of salamanders can be destroyed.
Most dogs are not under the direct control of their owners as required when off leash. This can result in dogs jumping on people and approaching other dogs who are on leash. We believe that everyone who hikes and enjoys our properties deserves the right to feel comfortable, and off-leash dogs that jump and frighten people hinder this enjoyment.
We believe in being a good neighbor. Off-leash dogs run onto neighboring properties that are not owned by RLT, threatening natural spaces and personal property.
Dogs that are off-leash will, of course, defecate on and off trail, often without their owners’ knowledge. Dog feces, unlike that of wild animals, adversely affects soil, wildlife, and water quality. Dog owners are required to pick up their dog’s droppings at all times.
Since the start of the COVID pandemic, there have been an unprecedented number of hikers on the trails. There have also been more off-leash dogs on the trails, with reports of dog fights and bites.
If your dog is uncomfortable being on a leash, we ask that you leave him or her at home. Thank you for your cooperation and support of the Redding Land Trust.
