The 'scoop on dog poop' at Riverview Park in Carson City
I am writing this as a citizen and not as a volunteer for Carson City Parks and Open Space. You can address any comments to them if you like.
My husband and I and our dog walk Riverview Park in Carson City daily and once a week or so do a massive dog waste and trash clean up of the trail. You can see the photo of this week's harvest.
We also keep the 6 dog bag stations stocked with "Mutt Mitts" for the convenience of pet owners. So why do people not take care of their own dogs poop? Do they leave it in their own yard too? Do they come to a dog park to avoid their picking up their own dog waste at their home?
I think that maybe many people don't realize that domesticated animal waste is not biodegradable, and actually harmful to the soil for several years as it seeps along with bacteria into the soil and the water table.
What about the horse poop, you ask?
My understanding is that the vegetation they are fed helps the breakdown process and we can see it degrades quickly.
So if you see me out their on the trail, I will ask "You have your own bags, to do your duty, right? And now you'll know why.
Call to action! Please do your duty for your dog's doody.
Happy trails and enjoy our beautiful outdoors!
UPDATE: The Carson Water Subconservancy District has respond to Blohme's story:
Bianca, the Carson Water Subconservancy District thanks you and your husband for the work you do in Riverview Park. As you stated, pet waste is NOT beneficial to the environment and in our high-desert climate can take up to a year to break down.
Pet waste contains many nutrients, and the excess runs off into our soil and our water. This, combined with the pathogens that pet waste often contains, can result in harmful algal blooms that render our water unsafe to drink and unsafe for wildlife and recreation.
We recognize that picking up after pooch isn't anyone's favorite thing. However, many of our watershed's favorite spaces have the tools to make this easier. We encourage all pet owners to 1) Bag It 2) Pick It Up and 3) Throw It Away. To learn more, watch the short film Bag It found under "Your Actions Matter" on the CWSD YouTube page and check out other ways you can make a difference in the watershed!