Caption: Ruby the Mini Aussie hikes the Deschutes River.
DogPAC is participating in Bend Park and Recreation District’s focus group on the Riverbank Habitat Improvements Project.
The goals are to restore riparian habitat that has been impacted by informal use, and to provide sufficient formal access sites for various uses in the eight miles of riverside property managed by BPRD within Bend city limits.
The current off-leash river access site at Riverbend Park is on property that is leased by BPRD and that will eventually be developed. BPRD is committed to finding one or more replacement sites.
DogPAC’s goal is to have at least three safe access sites within city limits. The Bend City Code requires dogs to be leashed on public property outside of dog parks and OLAs, including while swimming, so access sites must be approved by the City. Approval and development might take a few years.
This survey will provide information to help BPRD better understand the needs and wants of local dog owners, and to help select and design off-leash river access sites.
DogPAC’s mission is to promote the health and enjoyment of dogs and their guardians through the provision of off-leash recreation opportunities in Central Oregon. Dog owners and lovers who wish to donate to DogPac will help fund winter grooming, maintenance of poop stations at various off-leash areas and educating the public to be responsible dog owners.
For further information, go to https://www.dogpac.org.
