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New regs proposed for Mount Misery
Thursday, March 10, 2005

After many years of concern, the Lincoln Conservation Commission has reluctantly decided that it must act now to prevent further degradation of the Mount Misery Conservation Land. During the 1990s, Mt. Misery became known throughout the greater Boston area as a place where dogs were allowed to run freely off leash. Particularly after dogs were banned from Walden Pond, use of Mt. Misery by dog walkers increased dramatically to the point where citizens began to raise concerns about the safety and environmental impact of such heavy dog use.
     A survey carried out in May and June of 2000 confirmed that a large number of dog owners were regularly visiting Mt. Misery in order to let their dogs run free on the conservation land. In response to public concern, a public forum was held on Jan. 24, 2001 to gather input from Mt. Misery users and concerned citizens. At the forum, dog walkers expressed with passion their love and enjoyment of the Mt. Misery trails and their tremendous appreciation for the chance for their dogs to run free and socialize with other dogs. Dog walkers also became better educated regarding the harmful effects their dogs were having on the land, and therefore, the Conservation Commission decided not to implement any new regulations at that time. We produced a brochure on dog walking etiquette which set out a number of guidelines for dog walkers and was made available at the Mt. Misery parking lot on South Great Road (Route 117). The brochure stressed the importance of having dogs under control but stopped short of requiring dogs to be on a leash or requiring dog walkers to remove their dog's feces.
     Since 2001 dog use has continued to increase and there have been regular reports of incidents in which off-leash dogs have attacked other dogs or people, both on conservation land and on adjoining private property. In addition, the impact of free-running dogs on vegetation, wildlife, and the ponds has become more and more evident. While many citizens have expressed their continued appreciation of the chance to allow their dogs to run, many others have indicated that they no longer visit Mt. Misery because the free-running dogs have made the experience less pleasant for them.
     Members of the Conservation Commission are dog owners and dog lovers themselves and are very sympathetic to those who prefer not to leash their dogs. We recognize that this decision will not be a popular one. However, as stewards of the town's conservation land, we feel we must act now to limit the amount of damage done by dogs at Mt. Misery, to allow the plants and animals in the area to recover from the damage already done, and to make the area safer for all people and dogs who use Mt. Misery. Many other conservation organizations have begun prohibiting dogs altogether, but we have decided not to take that step at this time.
     Effective Monday, April 4, all dogs at Mt. Misery and the neighboring fields will be required to be on a leash at all times. In addition, dog walkers will be required to remove all feces deposited by their dogs in this area. Like most other conservation organizations, we adhere to a "carry in, carry out" ethic.
     We will hold a public meeting to explain the policy and to answer questions at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, in the Donaldson Room at Town Offices, and the new regulations will be posted at the entrances to the Mt. Misery area during the last two weeks of March. The full text of the regulations will be available in the conservation office, as well.
     

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