Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Mary Lincoln, Jim Meadors, Peter Von Mertens, Jim Henderson, David Katsuki, and Toby Feibelman. STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Sean Hale, Angela Kearney.
Public Meeting - Presentation of New Dog Regulations at Mt. Misery.
Mary Lincoln opened the meeting by thanking approximately 40 people for their attendance, calls and e-mails regarding the new dog regulations at Mt. Misery Conservation Land. She spoke briefly about the Conservation Commission's responsibility to manage the land for wildlife diversity, agricultural values, passive recreation, and scenic beauty and tranquility.
The Land was purchased with Federal, State and Town funds: people from all communities are encouraged to enjoy the land and they are welcome to bring their dogs with them. However, dog use at Mt. Misery has continued to increase and there have been regular reports of incidents in which off-leash dogs have attacked other dogs or people both on conservation land and on adjoining private property. In addition, the impact of free-running dogs on vegetation, wildlife, and the ponds has become more and more evident. Thus the Commission felt it was necessary to implement regulations requiring dogs to be on a leash and owners to 'carry-in, carry-out' feces deposited by their dogs.
While several people suggested there was not enough public input prior to making the decision, the Conservation Commission has in fact, been grappling with this issue for over 5 years. On January 24, 2001, the Conservation Commission held a public forum to gather input from Mt. Misery users and concerned citizens. At the forum, dog walkers expressed with passion their love and enjoyment of the Mt. Misery trails and their tremendous appreciation for the chance for their dogs to run free and socialize with other dogs. Dog walkers also became better educated regarding the harmful effects their dogs were having on the land, and therefore, the Conservation Commission decided not to implement any new regulations. They produced a brochure that stressed the importance of having dogs under control but stopped short of
requiring dogs to be on a leash or requiring dog walkers to remove their dog’s feces.
While many citizens have expressed their continued appreciation of the chance to allow their dogs to run, many others have indicated that they no longer visit Mt. Misery because the free-running dogs have made the experience less pleasant for them.
Ms. Lincoln opened the meeting for comments.
Linda May, Lincoln:
Lived in Lincoln for 30 years and has been going to Mt. Misery the whole time. It used to be a 'sketchy' place and now it is safe and very communal. She would like everyone to use and would like the Commission to consider revising the regulations – perhaps leash requirement on weekends and at all times in the fields.
Brita Jessen, Lexington:
Aquatic ecologist in training sees no damage to the ponds or environment. Would like to learn more about the environmental impacts. Felt there should be a brochure for horse walkers and programming where dogs could pass specific training requirements to have them off-leash.
Nancy Bryant, Lexington:
Read letter expressing her deepest sadness that she will no longer be able to walk her dogs off-leash at Mt. Misery. She sees more environmental damage from runoff and sedimentation from the parking lot and Route 117 than the dogs have created. Would like to work with Commission to come up with compromise solutions.
Harriet Todd, Lincoln:
Neighbor and doesn't agree with the regulations. Sorry to hear it has come to this and surprised there was no input prior to the decision.
Marana Kern, Wayland:
It is a very special thing to walk with your dog off leash. She hopes people can come to some compromise.
Sara Mattes, Lincoln:
She is here both as a resident and Chair of the Board of Selectmen, which she will take comments back to. Mt. Misery is public land and should be enjoyed by citizens from any community. The town has an obligation to people, not dogs and it is important to preserve the agricultural heritage of the land. She also sees the increased off-leash dog use as a public safety issue so there must be a balance.
Richard Nichols, Lincoln:
Abuts the fields and was drawn to Lincoln for its wide-open spaces. The dog issue at Mt. Misery all boils down to over-use of a resource. It is important to preserve the ecological integrity of the land and he thanked the Commission for making a stand, whether it is the right one or not.
Dick Thomas, Lincoln:
Wanted to know other areas in which they could go to take their dogs.
Heidi Nichols, Lincoln:
Values the community as well as the environment, but felt there are too many people to protect the integrity of the land. Citizens have worked hard to preserve the environment and they need to continue the tradition for the next generation. One alternative would be to ban dogs in the area completely.
Heather McCreae, Lincoln:
Would like the Commission to work toward permitting well-trained dogs.
Tom Meyers, Sudbury:
Has been coming to Mt. Misery for about 1 year. He generally sees 6-12 cars there on weekdays and many more on weekends. Would like the Commission to consider the regulations to require dogs on leash only on weekends.
Ari Kurtz, Lincoln:
Is torn on the situation; he recognizes that over-use by dogs is an issue, but would like them to remain unleashed. He sees the biggest problem being the poop in the fields. Perhaps the leash law may be appropriate for a few years and re-visit the issue if use decreases.
Cheryl Eisner, Wayland:
Feels the beaver have done more damage to the area than dogs.
Generally, people felt that increased education, particularly around the hayfields, picking up poop, and a compromise to the leash regulations would be supported and followed at Mt. Misery. There is a new group of users since the last discussions and these people need to be educated.
Mary Lincoln closed the hearing by acknowledging everyone's comments and ensuring them that the Commission would continue to monitor the dog situation at Mt. Misery.
ACTION ITEMS
Meeting Minutes Approved from 3/2/05
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully submitted,
Angela Kearney
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