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Weekend use was heavy and I observed,numerous rule violations despite ongoing intense <br /> public limelight Owners are turning their dogs loose upon entering the woods, which have <br /> become a de facto extension of the designated off -leash area. Dog feces are everywhere despite <br /> the scoopers. I would anticipate less compliance if the controversy ever dies down. The <br /> situation is essentially non - manageable: a lack of restraining physical structures, no budget for <br /> enforcement and no prescription for realizing an established carrying capacity. <br /> In my opinion, the proposed 2.75 acre meadow fence won't work. A fence and locked gate <br /> across creek (open only for mowing) is unsightly and diminishes opportunities for other park <br /> users, and is at odds with the historical theme. The proposal would need a single entrance to the <br /> dog area, not a main entrance and four secondary gates, in view of current non - compliance. The <br /> real problem 1 anticipate is concentration of current damage into a smaller area. The same <br /> questions of appropriateness still apply: an off -leash dog area — like a BMX course — <br /> essentially defines a pre - emptive use, not a multiple -use or a compatible use. The Park, in <br /> effect, becomes an 'sacrifice area' for a single special interest group. This would not <br /> necessarily be bad if the special interest related to the character or nature of the facility, but <br /> this is not the case here. There is no dout public demand exists for off - leash dog sites; the <br /> question is whether the Wayne Morse Historic Park should be one of them. <br /> Recommendation: <br /> Go back to square one: rescind the off-leash designation and get the master planning <br /> process back on track. Local dog owners have a viable alternative at 27th and Amazon Parkway, <br /> so impacts of a moratorium would be minimal. Involve volunteer groups such as the Native <br /> Plant Society of Oregon and neighborhood associations in site restoration as a work-around for <br /> budget shortfalls. An orderly planning process could start the healing, both of the site and the <br /> community. The Wayne Morse Historical Park deserves a management plan in keeping with its <br /> special values. It would be gratifying if all the attention the Park has received ultimately <br /> resulted in the community working together to make the Park all that it could be. <br /> Dr. Thomas H. Prin•1- <br /> Emerald Consulting <br /> POB 3429 <br /> Eugene, Or 97403 <br />