July 15, 2005 CITYWIDE Dogs' life revisited Golden Gate National Recreation Area is trying to define an off-leash policy a controversial new one -- without to make sure the selection was done by Kathleen Sullivan notifying the public in advance and carefully." giving people the opportunity to voice their opinions. The GGNRA will be the third national Amid the rolling hills of Fort Funston, park to create new regulations with a fountain with a metal spigot at dog- To address the controversy, the the help of an advisory committee, a dish height is a popular meeting place GGNRA has asked an advisory process known as "negotiated for pooches after chasing balls and committee to tackle the issue. The rulemaking." racing after sticks. proposed committee, whose members were announced recently, Martha Walters, who will represent On a recent foggy morning, the spot includes a representative of the park the Crissy Field Dog Group on the was a canine version of the United service; off-leash dog advocates; a committee, praised the decision to Nations, an international gathering professional dog walker; form a committee to work that included an Australian shepherd, environmentalists, including experts collectively on the problem, a process Bernese mountain dogs, an English on birds, marine mammals and native that should ensure that everyone's setter and a German shepherd. plants; and people representing the voice is heard. interests of pets, kids, seniors, local The 180-acre park, a long strip of "It's a very practical approach to governments and equestrians. dune scrub, bluffs and beaches along solving a very complex problem," the southwest coastline of San They will discuss a variety of issues, she said. "Legally, this is the way to Francisco, is where dogs have been including what areas of the park do it." allowed to run free of their leashes could be considered for off-leash dog for more than two decades. use, and what times of the day and Sally Stephens, chair of SF DOG, hopes that the person who moderates But 3 1/2 years ago, the National Park what time of year those areas could be used. the meetings will help people really Service rescinded its 1979 pet policy, listen to each other -- something she announcing that Fort Funston -- and The 22 people on the committee -- says hasn't happened yet. six other areas within the Golden Gate and their alternates -- were National Recreation Area -- would no recommended by mediators from the "People feel very passionately about longer allow dogs off-leash. Center for Collaborative Policy who kids, dogs, plants," she said. "We would argue that this isn't about kids Dog owners raised an uproar about conducted confidential interviews with candidates last year. versus dogs, or dogs versus the the new policy -- to no avail. environment. It's an issue of irresponsible versus responsible dog In recent months, though, they have The center, based in Sacramento, owners. We can all get along. It's just been vindicated. helps government agencies and community groups resolve disputes a matter of common courtesy." In December, and again last month, and collaborate on new public Marybeth Wallace, president of the federal judges admonished the policies. board of directors of Coleman agency for violating its own Advocates for Children & Youth, said regulations by changing a long- "It's a fairly big deal to get the right there should be areas within the park standing policy -- and implementing people," said Shirwin Smith, a GGNRA spokeswoman. "We wanted where dogs can play off leash. But even the friendliest dog can pose a have been allowed since 1979 are: the Department of the Interior: Christine threat to someone who is very young north end of Baker Beach, Ocean Powell, National Park Service. or very old, she said. Beach, Oakwood Valley Trail (Marin County), Off-leash advocates: Martha Walters, "There should also be places where Crissy Field Dog Group; Linda families can picnic, lie in the grass and Muir Beach and Rodeo Beach -- McKay, Fort Funston Dog Walkers; and enjoy nature -- without dogs," from the shoreline to the crest of the John Keating, Ocean Beach Dog she said. "And I think those areas in dunes. Walkers; Jeri Flinn, Pacifica Dog the park should be substantial." Walkers; Gary Fergus, Presidio Dog Some areas where dogs have never Walkers; Keith McAllister, San Fran- The GGNRA's Smith said the agency been allowed, or where dog walking cisco Dog Walkers Group. is eager to hear from the public about has been restricted to protect sensi- the makeup of the committee, and will tive habitats will be precluded from Professional dog walkers: Joe Hague, accept comments -- by mail and consideration by the committee for ProDog. online -- through July 28. off-leash use, including Fort Point, the "It really is a proposed committee," beach at Stinson Beach, Tennessee Environmentalists: Mark Heath, Cali- she said. "If it's not right it needs to Valley, Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo fornia Native Plant Society; Brent be fixed." Lake. Plater, Center for Biological Diversity; Arthur Feinstein, Golden Gate Smith said the committee is expected One recent morning, Marianne Mo- Audubon Society; Erin Brodie, Ma- to meet for about eight months. The naco, a professional dog walker who rine Mammal Center; Norman meetings, which will be open to the has been taking dogs to Fort Funston LaForce, Sierra Club (local chapter); public, will include time for public for off-leash play for seven years, Stephen Krefting, San Francisco testimony. The GGNRA hopes to stood near the park's water fountain League of Conservation Voters. have a new regulation before June with five of her charges. 2007. Other park users: David Robinson, "There should be room for all of us Coleman Advocates for Children & She said the recent court rulings, out here," she said. "If it means di- Youth; Judy Teichman, MarinWatch which dismissed tickets the park viding up the space somehow, that (representing equestrians); Bruce service had issued to three dog would be OK with me." Livingston, Senior Action Network; walkers at Crissy Field, restored open Cindy Machado, Marin Humane So- areas - - such as the sandy beach and Monaco looked at Indy, her Austra- ciety; Daniel Crain, San Francisco grassy airfield -- to off-leash dogs. lian shepherd, who was sitting at his Society for the Prevention of Cruelty owner's feet and looking up intently to Animals. "At Fort Funston, if you're outside at her face. areas that are marked as closed- off Local governments: Dan McKenna, to visitors and pets, you're probably "Would you like to comment," she City of San Francisco; Paul Jones, OK," Smith said, adding that the asked. former member of the Golden Gate GGNRA is working with the U.S. National Recreation Area Citizens Attorney's office to determine "Comment," she repeated. Advisory Committee; whether the agency followed correct procedures when it closed a 12-acre Indy inched closer, tilting his head at Joanne Marchetta, Presidio Trust. parcel to protect a bank swallow a quizzical angle. colony, reduce erosion on a bluff and Comments on the composition of the dune, restore dune scrub habitat and "Comment," Monaco asked again, a committee will be accepted through prevent visitors from tumbling down hopeful note in her voice. July 28. To comment online, see http:/ a cliff. /parkplanning.nps. gov/goga, and "Arf," Indy barked. And was quickly She said the agency is waiting to hear click on "Negotiated Rulemaking for rewarded with a dog biscuit. from its attorneys about the status Dog Management at the GGNRA." of other areas it has closed in recent Comments may be mailed to: Super- Proposed Advisory Committee for years to protect plants, animals and intendent, GGNRA, Fort Mason, Dog Management in the Golden Gate habitats. Building 201, San Francisco, CA, National Recreation Area: 94123, Attn: Negotiated Rulemaking The other areas where off-leash dogs Committee. Comments will only be accepted online or by mail.