Spring is an important time for Nature; a time of birth and renewal. We too, want to share in this rebirth and seek the healing that Nature can bring, with people going out in droves to explore state parks and private land trusts. Unfortunately many are bringing their dogs, and unleashing them. During Fairfield Earthday’s Webinar on the Legislative Session Lori Brown of Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) asked for people to leave their dogs at home in order to protect nesting birds and other species.
DEEP, or Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection notes on their website the fragility of the endangered Piping Plover, which nests along the shoreline. “Keep dogs off of beaches during the nesting and chick-rearing seasons, and keep housecats in the house, especially at night, during the nesting season.”
Aspetuck Land Trust, which maintains 45 miles of trails, asks “Please leave your dog home. We normally allow leashed dogs on to our preserves, but for the time being we are asking you not to bring your dogs. While we understand the beauty of the human and animal bond and the joy of walking with your dog, at this time dogs are creating too many opportunities for close human contact that can enhance opportunities for viral transmission between people.
