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Proposed Change to Park Policy Permitting Dogs on Boardwalk Trail
Congaree National Park » Proposed Change to Park Policy Permitting Dogs on Boardwalk Trail » Document List
Congaree National Park is seeking public comment on potential changes to the park's policy permitting dogs on the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Current regulations permit dog owners and their pets to use the park's 2.6 mile boardwalk as long as dogs are kept on a leash no more than 6 feet in length and all pet waste is cleaned up. Proposed changes to current park policy are being considered for the protection of park visitors and resources in light of increased visitation to the park and instances of dogs off leash and pet waste being left behind on the Boardwalk Loop Trail.
The public comment period on proposed solutions is April 6 through May 21.
Proposed Solutions Under Consideration
In light of the increasing frequency of these problems, park management is currently considering four possible solutions to address this issue. Solutions that would amend the current park policy regarding dogs being permitted on the Boardwalk Loop Trail are proposed in order to prevent the occurrence of injury to either visitors or their dogs in light of increased visitation, as well as to mitigate the potential resource damage and degradation that improper disposal of dog waste creates. Proposed solutions are as follows:
Proposed Solution #1 - Closure of the Entire Boardwalk Loop to Dogs
This solution would result in the closure of the entirety of the Boardwalk Loop Trail to dogs, with the limited exception of those dogs that meet the specifications of a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Visitors seeking to hike park trails with their dogs would be able to access other non-boardwalk trails from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center via the Firefly Trail that connects to the Sims Trail. If put into effect, notice of this closure will be clearly posted on the park's website and areas that are closed will be clearly marked during these times.
Proposed Solution #2 - Closure of the Elevated Boardwalk to Dogs
This potential solution would see the sections of the Boardwalk Loop Trail between Weston Lake and Firefly Trail to Bluff Campground, as well as the section between the Firefly Trail to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and where the boardwalk transition from elevated to low .2 miles from the visitor center. The boardwalk from the visitor center to its transition to the low boardwalk and then to the intersection of the boardwalk and the Weston Lake Trail near the Weston Lake overlook would remain accessible to those visitors with dogs. The elevated sections would be closed to dogs with the limited exception of those dogs that meet the specifications of a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If put into effect, notice of this closure will be clearly posted on the park's website and areas that are closed will be clearly marked during these times.
Proposed Solution #3 - Day or Season-Specific Closures
This potential solution would see park management determine either A) specific days of the week or B) certain periods of the year during which dogs would be either permitted or prohibited from all or certain portions of the Boardwalk Loop Trail. These closures would not apply to those visitors with dogs that meet the specifications of a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If this proposed solution is put into effect, closures to dogs will be posted on the park's website and areas that are closed will be clearly marked during these times.
Proposed Solution #4 - Maintain Current Park Policy Regarding Dogs on the Boardwalk Loop Trail
This solution would see the park make no changes to its policy allowing visitors with dogs to use the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Park rangers will continue to enforce park regulations, issuing warnings and/or citations for violations observed.
The public comment period on proposed solutions is April 6 through May 21.
Proposed Solutions Under Consideration
In light of the increasing frequency of these problems, park management is currently considering four possible solutions to address this issue. Solutions that would amend the current park policy regarding dogs being permitted on the Boardwalk Loop Trail are proposed in order to prevent the occurrence of injury to either visitors or their dogs in light of increased visitation, as well as to mitigate the potential resource damage and degradation that improper disposal of dog waste creates. Proposed solutions are as follows:
Proposed Solution #1 - Closure of the Entire Boardwalk Loop to Dogs
This solution would result in the closure of the entirety of the Boardwalk Loop Trail to dogs, with the limited exception of those dogs that meet the specifications of a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Visitors seeking to hike park trails with their dogs would be able to access other non-boardwalk trails from the Harry Hampton Visitor Center via the Firefly Trail that connects to the Sims Trail. If put into effect, notice of this closure will be clearly posted on the park's website and areas that are closed will be clearly marked during these times.
Proposed Solution #2 - Closure of the Elevated Boardwalk to Dogs
This potential solution would see the sections of the Boardwalk Loop Trail between Weston Lake and Firefly Trail to Bluff Campground, as well as the section between the Firefly Trail to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and where the boardwalk transition from elevated to low .2 miles from the visitor center. The boardwalk from the visitor center to its transition to the low boardwalk and then to the intersection of the boardwalk and the Weston Lake Trail near the Weston Lake overlook would remain accessible to those visitors with dogs. The elevated sections would be closed to dogs with the limited exception of those dogs that meet the specifications of a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If put into effect, notice of this closure will be clearly posted on the park's website and areas that are closed will be clearly marked during these times.
Proposed Solution #3 - Day or Season-Specific Closures
This potential solution would see park management determine either A) specific days of the week or B) certain periods of the year during which dogs would be either permitted or prohibited from all or certain portions of the Boardwalk Loop Trail. These closures would not apply to those visitors with dogs that meet the specifications of a service animal as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If this proposed solution is put into effect, closures to dogs will be posted on the park's website and areas that are closed will be clearly marked during these times.
Proposed Solution #4 - Maintain Current Park Policy Regarding Dogs on the Boardwalk Loop Trail
This solution would see the park make no changes to its policy allowing visitors with dogs to use the Boardwalk Loop Trail. Park rangers will continue to enforce park regulations, issuing warnings and/or citations for violations observed.