Commission issues regulations for Mt. Misery dog walkers
Thursday, June 23, 2005
The following regulations will be in effect at Mt. Misery starting Tuesday, July 5. These regulations are intended to preserve the beauty and serenity of Mt. Misery for future generations and to make it a safe and inviting area both for people and wildlife. Dog owners are requested to help accomplish these goals by following the regulations and by encouraging others to do so. Mt. Misery users who fail to comply with these regulations may be asked to leave the area and may be fined.
A. Removing Dog Feces
Owners must pick up all of their dogs' feces and must either deposit it in the barrels provided or take it away with them. Owners are requested to bring their own plastic bags for this purpose. However, recycled bags will be provided as a backup in case owners forget their bags. This requirement applies both to the Mt. Misery woods and to the agricultural fields between the Mt. Misery woods and Old Concord Road.
B. Dog Swimming
Dogs may swim ONLY in two specific areas. These are:
1. In the first pond reached from the Route 117 parking lot along the main trail. Swimming is allowed only from the marked area between the cut granite slabs. The rest of the pond shoreline is a restoration area and neither dogs nor people should walk there.
2. In the Sudbury River from an area reached by entering the woods to the west from the Route 117 parking lot and following the trail over the ridge and down to the river.
C. Leash Policy
Unruly dogs must be leashed at all times on all trails. Owners must leash their dogs at the request of a Town of Lincoln Conservation Ranger.
1. Agricultural Fields
All dogs must be on leash in the agricultural fields. This applies both to the vegetable fields near Old Concord Road and to the hay fields adjacent to them. Dogs must be kept on the trails around the fields. All dog feces must be picked up and removed. Note that working farm dogs from Lindentree Farm are allowed to be off leash in the fields in order to prevent wild animals from destroying crops.
In winter when the ground is frozen and there is sufficient snow for cross country skiing, skiers may have their dogs off leash in the agricultural fields. Dog feces must still be removed in winter.
2. Route 117 Parking Lot
Dogs must be on leash in the Mt. Misery parking lot on Route 117. Dogs must also be leashed on all trails within several hundred feet of the parking lot.
3. Mt. Misery Woods
Dogs are allowed off leash in the Mt. Misery woods ONLY on the trails specifically designated as off-leash trails. On-leash trails will be marked with signs depicting a dog on a leash.
The off-leash trails are (see associated map):
Trails to the west of the main trail from the Route 117 parking lot to the agricultural fields (to the left of the main trail when walking from the Route 117 parking lot). These include the Kettlehole Trail.
The loop trail around Mt. Misery itself, to the east of the main trail. This trail leaves the main trail near the agricultural fields (to the right when walking from the Route 117 parking lot), goes around Mt. Misery, and reconnects with the main trail opposite the Kettlehole Trail.
The trails south of the eastern-most pond close to Route 117.
All other trails are on-leash trails. These include all trails near the agricultural fields, the main trail from the agricultural fields to the Route 117 parking lot, the trail up and over Mt. Misery itself, and the trails around the two ponds east of the Route 117 parking lot.
D. Control of Off-Leash Dogs
Owners must keep their dogs in sight and under their voice control and carry a leash at all times.
Dogs must come immediately when called by their owners.
Owners must prevent uninvited contact with other dogs or people.
Dogs must stay on the trails.
Owners must prevent their dogs from harassing wildlife or destroying plant life.
No more than three dogs are allowed per dog walker.
These regulations adopted by the Lincoln Conservation Commission on June 1. | |
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