Spring is here, and with it means a veritable parade of dogs on the trails! We love to see dogs and their humans enjoying the parks and the great spring weather. However, off-leash dogs continue to be one of the top-reported park issues, especially now during the spring. While we understand that you might want to let your dog roam free, Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park are subject to city leash laws (and fees) that require you to keep your dog leashed. This helps protect not just your dog but everyone else you are sharing the trails with, while also helping protect the local ecosystem.
When we go out into the parks, it is important that we are mindful of everyone else we share the trails with. Off-leash dogs can pose a hazard to other park users or employees and volunteers working with tools. Our staff have been knocked over by dogs before, and it’s dangerous for both us and the dog when sharp tools and heavy equipment are involved. Even without the risk of sharp implements, a dog colliding with a runner, cyclist, or small child can easily become a trail injury. Another issue that occurs is that overly friendly dogs might interfere with service dogs performing their duties, like seeing-eye dogs, which can make it more difficult for some people to access our parks.
Additionally, dogs can cause a lot of ecological harm when let off leash. Spring is ground nesting bird season, and unattended dogs might go after vulnerable birds and nests, impacting our local bird populations. Your dog might also poop off trail where you don’t see it, and while you might not assume that is an issue, dog waste can spread harmful bacteria and impact water sources, ultimately negatively impacting these ecosystems. A leash is an easy way to keep your dog on the trail and prevent these issues.
Together, we can make these parks a more welcoming place for people, and pups, alike, but it requires everyone to do their part! Before you head out on the trails with your dog, grab a leash and a poop bag and help us make our parks more welcoming and safe for everyone!
P.S. Looking for places that you can take your dog off-leash? You can find all of Portland Parks & Recreation’s dog off-leash areas on their website.