You recently had a small article in the Gazette reminding people that Riverlot 56 is an on leash area.
Riverlot 56 is an on leash area? You could have fooled me!
Yesterday, Jan. 12, in a short period of time, I counted about 15 dogs that were off leash.This is no different than any day I have been out to ski and visited Riverlot 56. There are more dogs off leash than on leash!
Most of the dogs that are off leash are running wildly in all directions. Often the owners do nothing to control the dogs when someone on skis comes along.
In the past few weeks while skiing, I have been chased by numerous dogs and almost attacked by one dog whose owner could not control her dog that was off leash!
I have seen enough dog waste along the trail and plastic bags full of doggy doo-doo that have been dumped on the trail to make me ask the question ... what is going on at Riverlot 56?
I have seen walkers deliberately stomp into the groomed tracks that are made for the cross-country skiers. I have witnessed dogs and people make a mess of these tracks only hours after they have been groomed, purposely walking all over the trails that are groomed for skiers.
Why can't everyone just try and be respectful of each other? There is plenty of room for everyone.
Dog owners should heed the signs that this is an on leash area and clean up after their dogs and put the doggy doo-doo in the garbage ... not on the trail!
People using the trails for walking should keep to the packed trail away from the groomed tracks that are there for skiers to enjoy ... there is plenty of space for walkers and everyone else to enjoy this area!
Riverlot 56 is a treasure, let’s keep it that way!
Jasmine Hohenstein, Edmonton
