Proposal for Off-Leash Area Within Treman State Marine Park
From: Tompkins County Dog Owner’s Group (TCDOG)
4/5/06
Premise: Research shows that off-leash dog activity can be enjoyed with relative safety for all concerned within a multi-use public area. This type of recreational use mandates responsible dog ownership and an understanding by other park users that they are entering an area where off-leash activity is permitted. Therefore, reasonable caution should be exercised by all space users.
Research also indicates that off-leash areas are most often successful when a working partnership exists between the authorities involved and responsible advocacy groups. In Tompkins County, TCDOG, a group of concerned dog-owning citizens dedicated to healthy and safe interaction among dogs and people is such an advocacy group.
Proposal: TCDOG is requesting that the NY State Parks system leash law be rescinded within an approximately 17 acre section of Treman Marine Park for the purpose of allowing off-leash recreational use. The area, adjacent to the main parking lot, turning north and extending to the lake, and including the peninsula which has many large shade trees, is delineated on the attached map. It also includes the City of Ithaca land known as the Festival Lands.
Given that part of Treman Marine Park is mowed and part remains in a natural state, the following fencing is recommended to protect the particularly sensitive “Hog’s Hole” natural area, and, if determined to be particularly sensitive, the unmowed cottonwood grove on the inlet, each of which has been identified in the many conversations over the years which have preceded this proposal.
Fencing, as shown on the map, would follow the south/east boundary of the wooded area commonly known as the “Hog’s Hole”, curving to follow the natural contour of the woods and extending to the lake. In order to retain the natural aesthetic beauty of the area, such fencing could be constructed as split-rail fence with wiring attached. The wiring would have little visibility from a distance and the split-rail fencing would be attractive in a natural setting. TCDOG also recommends that, if it is determined to be particularly sensitive, the large, unmowed cottonwood grove near the inlet be fenced, leaving the trail along the Inlet.
Additionally, TCDOG is recommending to the City of Ithaca a reinstallation of the temporary barrier separating dog walkers from the picnic tables near the parking lot, as was erected last summer. It is recommended that the temporary barrier remain in place for the duration of the summer picnic and boating season.
Access to water for play, for drinking, and for cooling is an important amenity for off-leash dogs. TCDOG is recommending that the lakeshore from the eastern edge of the “Hog’s Hole” to the commonly used beach area just into the entrance to the inlet be available to dogs. This area is shown on the attached map. TCDOG recommends that the remainder of the waterfront, including that adjacent to the “Hog’s Hole” and the area along the inlet beyond the beach shown on the map be off-limits for dogs.
Rules and Signage: TCDOG recommends that signage be placed such that all users of the area are aware that they are entering an off-leash area and that they need to exercise reasonable caution in doing so. TCDOG also recommends that a message board on site be available for the posting of notices, such as dog training classes, special events, etc., which may be of interest to the public.
Additionally, signage should include the following list of rules for dog owners:
- Dog handlers must respect the right of other park users to enjoy the area. Handlers are responsible for their dog’s behavior at all times, whether on or off-leash.
- Handlers must carry a leash at all times. Dogs must be leashed in the parking lot or adjacent roadways when entering or leaving the off-leash area.
- Any dog evidencing aggressive behavior must be leashed immediately and must leave the off-leash area.
- Dogs must be supervised at all times. Dogs must be under the control of their handlers and in view at all times.
- All dogs 6 months of age or older must be licensed and have appropriate vaccinations.
- No dogs in heat are allowed in the off-leash area.
- Handlers must pick up dog waste and deposit it in the dumpster provided.
- Handlers must fill in any holes dug by their dog(s).
- Any injury or property damage done by a dog will be strictly the responsibility of the handler and the handler must take appropriate measures, including exchanging contact information, in the event of any injury or property damage.
- Handlers must respect the boundaries of the off-leash area and must not allow their dogs to run into any prohibited natural area, as posted.
TCDOG believes that with appropriate planning and monitoring the above described off-leash area can successfully accommodate the needs of both dog owners and other park users. Our organization stands ready to work collaboratively with the NY State Parks System to assure a safe and pleasant experience for all users of Treman Marine Park.
(Map attached)
Pat Pryor, for TCDOG
607-273-1741 (home)
607-592-4188 (mobile)