Loveland - Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) in partnership with City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, and City of Loveland Open Lands & Trails encourage responsible recreation with dogs as visitors hit the trails with their canine companions this spring.

Colorado is ranked nine in the nation for highest pet ownership with 47% of households owning a dog, according to wisevoter.com. Accordingly, outdoor recreation with dogs is very popular, which can result in conflicts with other visitors and impacts to wildlife.

Public land managers are working together to raise awareness of the simple tenets of responsible trail stewardship while recreating with dogs, which includes keeping dogs on leash and picking up dog waste to protect water and wildlife. They are urging the community to participate in the #PAWSforLCtrails campaign in May to show support.

• LOVE ‘EM? LEASH EM: Keeping your dogs leashed minimizes conflicts with other visitors and ensures that wildlife is safe. Dogs can scare or disrupt wildlife when left to roam.
• BAG IT, PACK IT, TRASH IT: Hikers are required to pick up their dog waste immediately and dispose of it in trailhead waste cans. The aim is to leave no trace on the trail or in campgrounds you visit. This eliminates the potential for contamination of streams, rivers and lakes.
• CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL: Wildlife and pets share the land so keep your dog under your physical control (on leash), and do not allow your dog to harass wildlife in any way. This includes preventing them from actively chasing wildlife or running off trail where wildlife and birds may be nesting or hiding.
• BE KIND TO OTHERS: While your fur-baby may be the best of pups, be aware that some people find dogs intimidating or unwelcome in their personal space. Please be courteous by keeping your leashed dog close and under your control as others pass.
• WATER SAVES LIVES: Make sure there's enough hydration for everyone, including your dog. Bring a trail bowl with your pup’s water bottle.
• WATCH THE WEATHER: On hot days, leave your dog behind. Hot pavement and trails can injure your dog’s paws, which makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature and increases potential for heat stroke.

BE IN THE KNOW OF WHERE TO GO: Check COTREX before heading out to confirm if dogs are allowed. For more tips and information about recreating responsibly with dogs and how to participate in #PAWSforLCtrails, please visit https://www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/paws-for-larimer-county-trails.

This trail stewardship message is supported by several Larimer County public land agencies working together to increase community awareness about responsible trail stewardship with dogs to enhance the outdoor experience for all.

About Larimer County Department of Natural Resources
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources' mission is to connect people, nature, and place. Since 1954, Larimer County has acquired and conserved a vast network of public and private lands. Today, thirteen public properties are available for recreational access and enjoyment, and over 57,000 acres of land within its boundaries have been conserved. For more information, visit larimer.gov/naturalresources

About City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department
Special habitats like prairies, foothills, waterways, and forests are conserved for wildlife and people by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department.  Everyone is welcome to treasure and steward these beloved outdoor places. Thanks to community-driven sales tax ballot measures, there are 52 conserved natural areas and 114 miles of trail with more being added each year.  Learn more at https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/.

About The City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Open Lands and Trails Division
The City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Open Lands and Trails Division aims to identify, preserve, protect, connect and enhance open space, natural areas, trails and wildlife habitat to promote the enjoyment of outdoor activities while advancing environmental stewardship, environmental education and outdoor experiences. The City of Loveland boasts 37 miles of paved trails, 30 miles of soft-surface trails and 20 open land sites that are open to the public. For more information, visit lovgov.org/OpenLands.