Griffy Lake Master Plan Update 2008 Monroe County, Indiana
August 13, 2008
8.5.1 Dog Presence at GLNP Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is a popular destination for humans and their canine companions (Figure 59). The dog exercise area offers an opportunity for dogs to be off-leash while allowing for socialization for dogs and their owners. Rules associated with dogs are posted at GLNP; rules include dogs remaining on-leash throughout Griffy Lake Nature Preserve with the exception of dogs using the dog exercise area and no swimming.
Figure 59. Users at the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve dog exercise area. Multiple dog-associated problems were identified by GLNP-users. The most common issues were identified as off-leash dogs, dogs swimming in Griffy Lake, and shoreline erosion due to human and dog access to Griffy Lake (Figures 60 through 62). Additionally, respondents included the following issues with dogs at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve: off-leash dogs roaming the GLNP, wildlife and human intimidation, young children and older adult fears associated with off-leash dogs, and potential water quality impacts, including sediment, fecal material, and nutrients. Many of these issues arise due to the proximity of the dog exercise area to the trails within GLNP. The small area (less than 2 acres) available for use at the current dog exercise area limits space available for dogs, creates high density and use patterns (Figure 63), and does not allow for separation of large and small dogs. Additionally, there are no checks or balances on the status and natures of the dogs using the exercise area. Finally, if the dog exercise area remains in its current location or is converted to an official, full-time dog park, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will require that Bloomington Parks and Recreation complete a waste management plan to account for any nutrient and fecal material loading to Griffy Creek.
JFNew Project #070331.00
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