Woodstock's Thorn Preserve starts no dogs' policy starting March 14
WOODSTOCK, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Thorn Preserve will transition to a dog-free preserve starting Friday, March 14. According to the Catskill Center, dogs, except for trained service animals, will no longer be permitted at the preserve to maintain the nature and habitat of wildlife.
The announcement said a growing number of off-leash dogs at the preserve has put the sensitive habitats, wildlife and experience for other visitors at risk. According to the center, workers have placed signs, distibuted free leashes and increased visitor education but to no avail, off-leash dogs have continued to disrupt the preserve's biodiversity.
"For many years the Catskill Center has searched to find ways to balance our goal of managing the Thorn Preserve as grassland habitat with the desire to provide recreational opportunities for visitors with dogs. Over time that balance has become more challenging and has led to the very difficult decision to ban all dogs, leashed or not, on the Thorn Preserve," said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. "This decision was not made lightly, but it is essential to protect the unique flora and fauna that depend on this shrinking habitat in our region, while ensuring that all visitors can feel comfortable and safe when enjoying this unique natural area."
The preserve is home to ground-nesting birds like bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks, monarch butterflies and a variety of other pollinators. According to Senterman, often times, these dogs can ruin feeding and breeding behaviors, destroy nests and damages plants.
The Catskill Center urged dog owners to instead visit the town’s dog park, located on Dixon Avenue behind Rick Volz Field, with their pets. This space allows dogs to interact freely.
The announcement said questions about the new policy can be sent via email to info@catskillcenter.org.