Boise Off Leash Area Info

Mission Statement: To create sustainable dog off-leash areas and encourage safe and responsible use of parks and open space to enhance Boise's recreational opportunities.

Handouts: American Kennel Club brochure on how to start a dog park. E-mail correspondence and City of Los Angeles storm water pamphlets.

Database: List of registered dogs from the City Clerk's Office is not able to be obtained electronically. City DOG has got volunteers to input the information into a data base. Information that will be transferred from City Clerks list to the task force list will be the following: dog's name,owner's name, phone number, and address.

* Fencing (preferred: 6 foot fence, rounded corners, separate puppy/small dog area)

* One off-leash area in each quadrant of town (total of four off-leash areas)

* Three off-leash trails (easy, moderate and challenging)

Sites Visited/Discussed (Each of the following sites meet the minimum requirements of an off-leash area as set forth by the task force and will be proposed to the Board of Park & Recreation.):

Bowler site, located in South East Boise, was visited by the task force on April 24th. Task force agrees that the site provides the minimum requirements of a dog off-leash area and are excited about the possibilities of this site.

Willow Lane Park has a section that is in the flood plain and has limited development potential. This site has river access, small hills, large open area, existing parking, and meets the minimum requirements set forth by the task force.

Military Reserve Temporary Off-leash Area should be improved to meet the minimum off-leash area requirements.

Large Park in South West Boise (Murgoitio Site) has an off-leash area in the master plan of the park.

Trails. Will be speaking with Tim Breuer of Ridge to Rivers to discuss trails most appropriate to this type of use. Easy, moderate and challenging trails in different sections of the reserves is what is preferred and is a goal of the task force.

Military Reserve Off-Leash Area: There has been a call from a representative from Friends of Military Reserve in regards to the temporary off-leash area and impacts that they feel are being put on the reserve. Their concerns included:

* People are using these trail areas as an extension of the off-leash area

* No signage indicating dogs must be on leash

* Creek bank erosion, due in part by dog use (members have seen people playing fetch in the creek).

* Members have witnessed wildlife being chased by dogs

The task force will try to schedule meeting to tour this area with Tim B. and Friends of Military Reserve to see the areas of concern. Hopefully we can all work together to properly manage these areas and have appropriate use of these areas as well.

Athletic Complexes: The Board of Park & Recreation Commissioners Sub-Committee asked the task force to look at dogs in athletic complexes. The sub-committee stayed with the status quo, which is:

* Always keep your dog on a leash not exceeding eight feet in length (Boise City Code 6-07- 17E), except in designated off-leash areas. It is advisable to keep your cat on a leash too.

* Dogs are not permitted in Municipal Park, Platt Gardens, or Simplot Youth Sports Complex.

Dogs are not allowed in Willow Lane Athletic Complex during games and are not permitted in Kathryn Albertson Park from March 1 through June 30 because of waterfowl nesting season (Boise City Code 9-14-05B). Stray cats in Albertson Park are trapped and sent to the animal shelter.

* Call for updated information regarding dog off-leash areas.

Process of Proposal: The task force has set the minimum requirements of off-leash areas and also has determined four priority sites. Jamie will begin putting together the proposal for the Board of Park & Recreation Commissioners. Once priorities have been set, staff can take a proposal to the Board of Park & Recreation Commissioners. Items to be determined and included in the recommended are: Defined user group, task force mission statement, city dog population, share research that has been done, comparisons with other cities, 3-5 year plan, costs, etc. Contacts/Other Organizations: City DOG and BPR will be meeting with the Neighborhood Alliance to discuss dog issues within the city on May 11 at 7:00 at City Hall.

Linda indicated that retriever group is working with State Parks & Recreation to have a training area at Eagle Island. Jamie will follow up on.

Linda spoke with REI regarding their Tues. night education/class time slots. REI indicated they would be interested in having City DOG and/or the task force discuss responsible ownership of dogs if there was a link to bikers, runners, hikers, etc. This may be a great educational opportunity and will be explored further.

Kudos to City DOG!!! They organized a clean up of Military Reserve and Hulls Gulch for Viva La Foothills. Great Job!

Please remember to carry bags and clean up after your dog!