Best friends hike at Sweeney Ridge. Photo Credit: steph_schwartz
Stretching from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay, the San Mateo County coastside has long been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and dog lovers. Where else can one find a world-famous big wave surf spot named after a dog, Maverick?
Starting in early 2017, this way of life will be severely impacted if the Park Service’s proposed dog management rule goes through. In San Mateo County, the rule will cut on-leash dog walking trails by 50-65% at four popular dog walking sites—Mori Point, Sweeney Ridge, Milagra Ridge and Rancho Corral de Tierra.
Beyond the sheer loss of dog walking trails, the rule bans people with dogs from much-loved vista points such as the Mori Point overlook. It does away with popular loop trails, making an out and back walk the only option for people with dogs.
It also bans dog walking from many neighborhood trailheads. Under this plan, people with dogs would no longer be able to access Sweeney Ridge from Pacifica; they would have to drive to San Bruno.
San Mateo County did not receive any off-leash areas under this plan. If families want to throw a ball for their dog, they would have to drive to another county. People with more than three dogs would also be banned completely from San Mateo County GGNRA, placing a strain on smaller county and city parks.
Update provided by Coastside DOG
Links to Local Groups & Stories
Coastside DOG of San Mateo County
SF Gate: San Mateo County dog lovers howl at federal lands’ off-leash plan
The Mercury News: Golden Gate National Recreation Area's dog restrictions make owners howl
Pacifica Tribune: New rule bans dogs off leash
Pacifica Tribune: Howlin’ mad at parks dog rule
Photo Credit: steph_schwartz