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Subject:

DNR Proposed Pet Policy

From:

Keith Eric Costley

Reply-To:

Keith Eric Costley

Date:

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:42:07 -0500

DNR Plans To Expand Pet Access In State Parks
Maryland Park Service Seeks Comment On Proposed Pet Policy
Annapolis, Md. (October 26, 2009) — The Maryland Park Service (MPS) will
begin taking public comments on its plan to expand pet access in state
parks, while continuing to provide a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience for
everyone. MPS recently reviewed the existing pet policy in state parks and
is proposing adjustments to that policy.

“We want to give Marylanders the chance to enjoy more of our parks with
their whole family, including pets, while minimizing any potential conflicts
with other visitors,” said MPS superintendent Nita Settina.

As part of the overall policy, park managers will retain the discretion to
prohibit pets from certain facilities within areas where pets are allowed
(e.g. visitor centers, playgrounds). Service animals will still be allowed
in all areas open to their owners.

After reviewing the comments received from park users and other interested
parties, final decisions will be made and the new policy will be implemented
in early 2010.

Maryland’s State Parks have always been places where families can come to
engage in a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities in beautiful
surroundings. Increasingly, there is a desire for pets to be included in
that experience. While the MPS has historically created opportunities for
visitors to recreate with their pets, certain areas have been off-limits. As
part of a continuous effort to improve visitor experiences in Maryland State
Parks, a comprehensive review of the existing pet policy was conducted and
proposed changes were developed. The last phase of that review is to solicit
public comment on the proposals before the final policy is implemented.

The proposed pet policy changes were developed with consideration for the
opinions and perspectives of park staff and visitors who have contacted the
MPS about this specific issue over the years. Pet policies employed by
similar parks and recreational facilities in Maryland and in other states
were also reviewed.

The MPS encourages opinions and comments and will consider them to arrive at
the best possible policy to serve all visitors.

To review the proposed changes to the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy, go
to http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/petpolicy/comment.asp and view
the information, organized by region and individual park.

Public comments on the proposed changes will be accepted online until
November 30 at 
http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/petpolicy/comment.asp

Written comments may also be sent to: Pet Policy Comments, Maryland Park
Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401.

 
     October 26, 2009   Contact: Josh Davidsburg
 410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell
 
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its
40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing
natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR
manages more than 461,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of
waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for
maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national
leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and
cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead
agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's
number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov
<http://www.dnr.state.md.us/>
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