Volunteer poop patrol cleans up off-leash dog park at event

[EG Bound Road Crew]

Successful event featured scavenger hunt and prizes

Volunteers cleaned up 430 pounds of dog waste at the Elk Meadow off-leash park on Saturday as part of Jeffco Open Space’s National Public Lands Day event.

The park, which Open Space employees said is “being loved to death,” has seen a lot of traffic in recent months, with many visitors not monitoring where their dogs go or what they do — or doo — while off-leash.

Open Space spokeswoman Katie Matthews said if the agency “doesn’t see a change, we will have to look at different management options for the park,” such as requiring leashes or making certain areas off limits.

“What people don’t always realize is dog waste is not biodegradable like wildlife waste is — it’s actually very toxic,” Matthews said. “And, with a stream going through the park, if there’s runoff, those pathogens will get into the water, and then dogs and people will track them back to their cars and homes.”


http://www.canyoncourier.com/content/vo ... leash-area

[Tarryall]

Good job people!

[cabinish]

So many people and their pups love that dog park. Let's hope owners keep up after their pets
so the entire park stays open.