The Guilford Land Conservation Trust and the Conservation Commission are reminding fans of the East River Preserve (ERP) about important rules in place to help protect both the property and visitors.

According to Conservation Commission Chair Janet Ainsworth, officials have noticed an uptick in off-leash dogs and the presence of mountain bikes on non-bike trails. While the trails have traditionally been used by bikers, Town Environmental Planner Kevin Magee said that not all of ERP’s trails are not meant to be used by bikers.

“There are certain trails we want hikers to have a hiker experience without the interference of bikers,” Magee explained. “We know that bikers like challenges, but these steeper slopes get eroded quickly if bikes use them. So, we want bikers to avoid those areas. I think we have laid out a nice loop for bikers around the property, which is something they enjoy. But there are specific areas and we want bikers to understand that.”

According to Magee, in additional to traditional bikes, ebikes and motorized vehicles are also not allowed at ERP.

While all of ERP’s trails are suited for hikers, bikes are only permitted on Bear House Hill Road and the larger road-sized trails along the power lines. On maps of the property, bike appropriate trails are designated in orange and yellow. Magee stressed that bikes are prohibited on the south or eastern edge of Bear House Hill Road.

“We actually don’t want bikers in that field [The southern or eastern field], as there are some sensitive areas along the river edge there,” said Magee. “There are short but steep uphills there and we are seeing damage to that, so we want to keep them out of that sensitive area above the river.”

Magee also noted that bikers should remain on approved trails and not create new non-approved trails. Going off trail can destroy native plants, threaten habitats, and increase the risk of soil erosion.

Ainsworth agreed with Magee, adding that the rules at the town’s protected and conserved lands are in place to protect the land and wildlife while also promoting enjoyment of the properties for all users. While bikers are a concern at ERP, Ainsworth said that unleashed dogs are are also a problem.

“It’s an issue because, as a commission, we have received complaints,” Ainsworth said, adding, “It’s also something that those of us who use the Preserve, we have observed and all seen that there are unleashed dogs in the preserves,” said Ainsworth.

According to a recent statement issued by the Commission, unleashed dogs are a problem on many of the town’s preserved properties, and particularly at the East River Preserve, where the north meadow sometimes looks like an inviting dog park, said Ainsworth. The town’s dog park is located at Nut Plains Park and features a newly installed canine agility course.

“The leash laws are to allow everyone to enjoy the preserves, and there are people who are deathly afraid of dogs,” said Ainsworth. “And invariably owners think their dog won’t bite or harm anyone, but no one knows what a dog is going to do. The rules are there for everyone.”

The Commission has observed that dogs roaming loose can negatively impact wildlife and water quality. Pet waste not only is unsightly, but it is a contaminant, said Ainsworth.

The organization also reminds dog owners that dog waste in bags left by the side of a trail is not “cleaning up” after your pet, and reminds owners to dispose of waste properly. Guilford town ordinances prohibit unleashed dogs on town property, while state law prohibits roaming dogs on property owned by another, according to the Commission.

“Who do owners think is going to pick that up? Volunteers have to do that, so that can be pretty obnoxious to deal with. We respectfully ask owners to clean up their pet’s waste and dispose of it properly. Leaving it in a bag on the side of the trail is simply not being responsible,” Ainsworth said.

Fines of up to $90 per occurrence under town ordinance or $92 if charged under the state roaming dog statute are potential consequences of violations of leash laws.

Deputy Police Chief Christopher Massey said that violations may be reported to the Guilford Police Department. According to Massey, the public should be aware that the Animal Control Officer frequently patrols public areas, including trailheads, to deter and enforce the law regarding roaming dog violations.

“MACO (Municipal Animal Control Officer) Weady focuses a lot of her attention on prevention through education during citizen contacts; however, infractions will be issued when appropriate and particularly for repeat offenders.”

Massey went on to say that if anyone in the public observes a leash law violation, they are encouraged to contact Animal Control to report these violations. If Animal Control is not on duty, the Guilford Police Department will respond to these complaints. The best number to reach both Animal Control and the Guilford Police Department is through the routine dispatch line at 203-453-8061, according to Massey.

To see trail maps for Guilford’s trail system and recreational areas, click here