A Message from FAIR...
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Imagine skilled land managers following the law and provide quality opportunities for all recreationists, including dog owners. This is possible. As noted in a common Intro to Forestry textbook, "management's role is to manage recreation use skillfully, not to inhibit it."
Off-leash recreation is a legitimate activity in national forests and many other types of public lands – yet it is often restricted. Restrictions are the "easy way out," and they can have a huge negative impact on recreationists. When they are needed, they should be used legally and conservatively.
The Deschutes National Forest has implemented restrictions that are neither legal nor conservative. It has more miles of leash restrictions than all other national forests in Oregon combined. This has a huge impact on dog owners, the single largest recreation group on this forest.
We believe that access to public lands is a right that comes with responsibility. We must treat the land and those who use it with respect. DogPAC and other groups work collaboratively with national forests. DogPAC maintains a portion of the Deschutes River Trail. DogPAC also created, maintains, and grooms the Wanoga dog-friendly groomed ski/snowshoe trail.
At the same time, our access must be abridged only through processes that are legal, ethical, and scientifically sound. Through a Freedom of Information Act process, we have learned that the Deschutes NF is knowingly misusing federal regulations to deny access to dog owners. Forest Service staff themselves have called the restrictions inappropriate and a bluff. We’ve raised this, and other, concerns with the Deschutes NF leadership, to no avail.
If you believe the Deschutes – and other national forests – should follow the law and good management principles, then please take action. Help us ensure that access is FAIR.
- Send an email to the Forest Service (middle column).
- Join us on Facebook (right column).
- Write a letter to the editor.
- Email us with your thoughts.
If you are concerned about restricted access on the Deschutes NF or other public lands, click here for our first letter to the editor and click here for background on legal aspects of restrictions.
Take Action Now...
The "Take Action Now" form letter is temporarily disabled. Please check back for updates and new information.
Call Assistant Director Lorette Ray in the regional office. Ask her to ensure that the current restrictions are repealed and that future access decisions comply with the law and follow good management principles.
503.808.2251
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