As DogTrekker.com first reported in an editorial last September, the then recently revised 1,900 page plan did little to improve the outlook for dog owners who have used the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) lands for decades to walk, run and recreate with their dogs. Just one percent of the 80,000 acres managed by the GGNRA in Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties allow dogs, and if the current plan is put into play, it would reduce this access to only .1 percent. That would leave 99.9% of the lands off-limits to dogs and their owners.
“Everyone needs socialization and exercise. Being able to run freely, it’s called having a healthy dog and a healthy human,” said Martha Walters of the Crissy Field Dog Group at last week’s Stern Grove clubhouse forum on this issue hosted by Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough. SFGate coverage of the event, including both sides of the debate, can be found here.
The deadline for public comment on the proposal has been extended through February 18th, 2014 and we encourage all DogTrekkers to take a stand on this issue and help protect access to what should be a multi-recreational treasure for all of us. To help you understand the entire issue, we have set up a page onDogTrekker.com with links to the issue’s history, concerned dog-owner groups, elected officials you can contact, and more.
