[BCNnet] BCNnet: Montrose Beach Pilot Dog Area

[Birdchris@aol.com]

A story from the forthcoming COS Birder newsletter that you may be interested 
in...

Montrose Beach IS Going to the Dogs!
Birder Vigilance Needed

By Christine Williamson, COS Conservation Chair

Despite much scientific and birder opinion in support of keeping Montrose 
Beach free of dogs to benefit shorebirds, the Chicago Park District likely is 
introducing a LEGAL dog beach there in the fall. 
The dog area will be fenced off for use by dog walkers only. The area is 
small, located at the northern end of the beach past the Wilson Boat Launch. 
The dog beach area will be in use from April to November. Dog walkers may use 
all of Montrose Beach in the mornings and late afternoons throughout the 
winter months.
A delegation of birders and conservation activists met with Chicago Park 
Superintendent, David Doig, in August. Superintendent Doig was cordial and 
listened closely to birder arguments regarding keeping dogs off Montrose 
Beach. He was sensitive to the needs of migrant shorebirds, but nonetheless, 
said the pilot dog beach area may go forward. 
Superintendent Doig stressed that the program is a trial and that if dog 
walkers do not confine their dogs to the dog area on Montrose Beach, police 
will enforce the leash law and fine violators a minimum of $300 per 
violation. If dog walkers chronically disobey the leash laws and let their 
pets roam elsewhere on the beach, the Park District will reconsider the pilot 
program, Superintendent Doig said.
Conservation activists from a number of birding and environmental groups are 
exploring ways to stop the pilot Montrose Dog Beach program, but if it does 
go forward, birders should start keeping track of dog walker violations and 
reporting their sightings. If this pilot program does not keep dogs confined 
to the very northern part of Montrose Beach, we must be quick to report our 
findings to the Park District. 
Please send the date, time, and nature of violation to me at 
birdchris@aol.com. Still photos and video footage also would be useful. If 
you do not have email, please keep a written log and mail it to me at 4016 N. 
Clarendon Ave., #3N, Chicago, IL 60613.

Christine Williamson
Chicago/Cook
birdchris!aol.com