FAIR

A Message from FAIR...

Off-leash recreation is a legitimate activity in national forests and many other types of public lands.

Sometimes it is appropriate to restrict access. However, restrictions can have a huge impact on citizens, and they should be used legally and conservatively. As noted in a common Intro to Forestry textbook, "management's role is to manage recreation use skillfully, not to inhibit it."

Do restrictions affect your ability to engage in off-leash recreation? If so, we encourage you to find out if they are legal and necessary.

Here in Central Oregon, 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. For example, DogPAC promotes trail etiquette and maintains a portion of the Deschutes River Trail. We created, maintain, and groom 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.

Check out our More Info page to learn more about legal and managerial issues (we'll also post our letters to the editor as they appear).

Take Action Now...

Create a personal introduction (optional)

Dear Chief Tidwell,

Edit the form letter (optional)

I believe that access to our public lands should follow the law and that skillful management can allow ALL recreationists to have quality opportunities.

DogPAC has uncovered documents indicating that the Deschutes National Forest is knowingly misusing federal regulations to deny dog owners access to public land.  The restrictions rely on 36 CFR 261.58(s), which clearly does not apply.  The Deschutes NF's chief law enforcement officer stated: "In no case is 261.58(s) an appropriate regulation for managing domestic dog issues."  Another Forest Service employee called the restrictions a "bluff".  Yet the Deschutes NF implemented them.

Access to national forests is important to us as individuals, to our rural economies, and to public support for the conservation of our public lands.  This access must be abridged only through processes that are legal, ethical, and scientifically sound.

I believe the Deschutes National Forest – and ALL national forests – should follow the law and stop bluffing citizens.  Please let me know what steps you will take to address this situation.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Information]

Enter your information (required)

First Name

Last Name

Address

City

State

Zipcode

Click "Send" (required)

Call the Forest Service...

Call Assistant Director Lorette Ray in the regional office. Ask her to ensure that the current Deschutes NF restrictions are repealed and that future access decisions comply with the law and follow good management principles.
503.808.2251

Support FAIR...

Join Us on Facebook...

Our Sponsor...