Position Statement of BCNA on
Domestic Dogs in Boulder County
Natural Habitat Areas

With increasing growth in Boulder County, natural areas and Open Space are increasingly impacted by human use. These natural habitats are critical for the long term preservation of native plants and animals. As growth and development along the Front Range destroys or seriously compromises more and more of these natural areas, it is crucial that the remaining areas be managed to provide for the needs of our richly diverse and irreplaceable native flora and fauna. The Boulder County Nature Association feels the welfare of these species should be given due consideration with respect to domestic dog use.

1.  It is essential that native habitats be preserved. Dog use should not be expanded at the expense of native species. While recognizing the considerable affection that individuals hold for their pets and the benefits that both derive from the relationship, BCNA is concerned about the proliferation of dog use through an ever growing number of natural areas in Boulder County.

2.  Available scientific evidence, and common sense, clearly indicate that the impact of a hiker (an animal) with a dog (another animal) is greater than the impact of a hiker alone. Dogs off leash chase wildlife and disturb small animals and birds. Dogs on or off leash also have impacts via scenting and through the concentration of their excrement along heavily used trails. The former sends a "keep out" signal to wildlife, and the latter results in nitrogen-rich sites that often favor non-native weeds.

3.  Although some people maintain that leash laws and voice-control are sufficient restraint, surveys on lands where leash laws are in effect document low compliance rates in the range of only 40% to 75% at best and typically much lower. Furthermore, experience in voice-control areas indicates that a significant number of dogs are allowed to run without any restraint. Uncontrolled dogs wander well off the trail causing negative impacts over a wide corridor that extends the entire length of the trail. The number of free running dogs will only grow with the increase of human use in Boulder County natural areas and on Open Space.

4.  BCNA feels dogs off leash should be the exception rather than the rule on all public lands. Furthermore, we do not support the opening of any more natural areas to dog use. BCNA supports the establishment of dog parks and the judicious management of some areas where dog use has been allowed in the past. Dog parks are not an appropriate use for Open Space.

5.  Finally, while BCNA's position is based upon our concern for minimizing ecological impacts, we recognize that many citizens desire the opportunity to experience natural environments without being disturbed by dogs.

Adopted:  3 December, 2000