34 — Sunday, May 16, 1999 - North Shore News Forest walks ct WE are having a prob- lem here folks! A very disturbing issue has been brought to my attention. It has ro do with responsible dog ownership ... or in this case the lack thereof. In past columns I have talked about picking up your dog’s poop because it is an unsightly mess and it carries discases. I've mentioned the importance of placing your dog on a leash when required to prevent accidents and injury to both humans and dogs. Pve briefly explained the legal ram- ifications of not being in con- trol of your dog’s actions. Burt it seems some of you are still not getting the picture — shame on you! And because of this, a beautiful area which has been a dog walker’s haven is now in jeop- ardy of being off-limits to dogs. This area is the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (formerly known as the Seymour Demonstration Forest). If you have ever had the opportunity to walk in this area, you can understand my concern for its future. It is a beautiful, natural piece of land — as close toa real forest as many of us will ever experi- ence. Be aware folks, this forest- ed area is not a park. It has been designated as a future water reserve. Health and wildlife concerns are why dogs are not allowed to be in cer- tain areas, especially the area around Rice Lake. e Are you ready for one of the most useful power tools you'll ever own? STIHL grass trimmers are designed to get the job done with features such as: * Fuel primer system for quick, easy starting Lifetime warranty on electronic ignition and drive shaft Anti-vibration system for greater operator safety canine connection Asa dog owner himself, operations and development supervisor Mike Mayers is quite concerned. He under- stands the need for people to allow their dogs to have a bit of freedom, but he teels things have gonc too far. In the last few weeks he and his staff have seen numer- ous dog fights; have been charged by a large rottweiller whose owner did nothing to stop it; broke up an attack by a dog on a horse, again whose owner did nothing, not even apologize to the equine rider; they have seen a woman get bitten by a pit-bull; and watched people blatantly ignore the “No dogs allowed” signs around Rice Lake — plus many more disturbing things. Because of increasing situa- tions like this, the GVRD is taking a hard look at dog walking in the area of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve. Basically, if positive changes do not take place by some dog owners, the area will become off limits to all dogs. Being 4 reasonable man, Mayers has chosen to be proactive instead of reactive ... for now. So, he’s looking for people who would like to vol- 10) SELL Now on sale for $159" And right now, save $20° on STIHL FS 36, FS 44 and FS 75 gas-powered trimmers. Free Protective eyewear — STIHL's Satisfaction a Guarantee ensures your complete satisfaction or your money back. *STIML FS 36 grass trimmer, until duly 31, 1999 of while supplies fast north shore news pets unteer their time for the Forest Dog Watch. Mayers hopes that by intro- ducing this no cUafrontatio::- al program the volunteers can hopetully educate the dog owners who use the forest. The volunteers would be the first front in saving the forest from turning dog unfriendly. They would also get a cool T- shirt and can walk their dog while volunteering their time. H you are interested in casas Atte with a Diss (eh. Gast 99 Month ange No ay bility ee In the mean tine Mavers has submitted a few rules of proper dog etiquette while using the forest. 8 Obey all signs as to where dogs can and cannot go, if in doubt ask the forest staff. @ Have your dog in control at all times. If children, horses, other people and dogs are approaching be courteous and place your dog on a leash. @ Pick up your dog’s poop if it drops one on a trail and becoming a volunteer, or just have an opinion as to what else can be done to curb the Jog dilemma, there will be an open house meeting held in the Learning Lodge at the entrance to Rice Lake, on Monday May 3ist at 7pm. For details please call 987-5354. [ encourage all these con- cerned with this problem to attend. Many issues will be discussed and opinions are wanted. Be an Active Part of your Community! eA Tonteer 1399 BC Games for Athletes witha Disability July 7 - 11, 1999 ‘North two) _We “ seeking enthusiastic individuals ~. to fill a variety of positions » before and during the sames! nh ve have already contributed much time and talent toward the success of this exciting event. * ies for BC. Games Volunteers! Whata Team, 4 OF begamesns@be.sympatice.ca don’t leave a poop- filled bag. in the forest. @ [f your dog has aggressive tendencies, please do not take it off leash. These are not unreasonable requests. They are basic rules of responsible dog ownership, and, I might add, the local by- laws. Joan Klucha is the owner of Sierra K9 training. E-mail her at