Out and About in Delaware's State Parks

Dogs…Dogs…Dogs!

Summer is always a hectic time around Delaware State Parks. Without a doubt, the bulk of our more than 4 million visitors descend upon us over the busy summer months. The challenges of meeting the needs of these eager visitors can often be a very daunting task. I always look at the passage of July 4th with a certain amount of relief. Once past that holiday, our seasonal staff are essentially fully trained and the parks operate in "cruise control." At least until we hit the next crisis when staff start to leave in August!

With a reasonable sense of well-being, I recently took the opportunity to go out and visit a number of park sites. Among my stops was a lengthy hike on the Junction and Breakwater Trail. It was an incredible summer day…sunny, hot and humid. Walking along the trail I found myself captivated by the natural beauty around me. Brilliantly colored cardinals and blue jays flew past. A patch of wildflowers was surrounded by a swirling cloud of white butterflies. Large sections of the trail were lined with raspberry bushes covered in succulent ripe fruit. As I traveled along, I found myself easily transported from the day to day stress of the job. This really was heaven for me!

When all of a sudden, I heard the loud bark of a nearby dog. I turned in time to see a large dog, a husky and German Sheppard mix, come bounding around a corner at me. The dog, who tore off past me, was followed at a more leisurely pace by its owner. Somewhat annoyed by the intrusion, I approached the owner, a woman, to inform her Park Rules and Regulations required her pet be on a leash. She proceeded to argue with me over the rules. She was adamant that her dog was not a problem. The fact that the dog was running loose, chasing wildlife, and potentially bothering trail users was not an issue to her. She insisted her dog was well behaved and completely obedient. In frustration she turned and called her dog to her. The dog turned and stopped dead in his tracks some 50 feet away. He would not come to her. Embarrassed, the woman moved towards the dog who proceeded to back away from her. The woman began scolding the dog who continued to back away with her every step forward. So much for "obedient and under control." My point made, the woman eventually succeeded in getting her dog leashed. She apologized and proceeded on her way.

I wish I could say my episode with this dog was an isolated case. Unfortunately, it is not. While most pet owners respect our rules, there are still a significant number who do not. In the past week, I received email complaints from visitors at two separate beaches concerning dogs off the leash. Both complaints referenced numerous violations they had witnessed.

Pets have always been a difficult issue for park staff to manage. Dog lovers want fewer restrictions, but other visitors aren’t necessarily so dog friendly. Many states prohibit or severely limit pet access in their parks. While Delaware State Parks continue to be "pet friendly," we do expect owners to comply with all rules and regulations. If you happen to be a pet owner, here are some things you need to know before you head to the beach.

• In accordance with Delaware law, pets are prohibited on State Park swimming and sunbathing beaches from May 1 through Sept. 30. Park Rules and Regulations also prohibit pets in surfboarding areas, sailboarding beaches, and bird nesting areas.

• Beach access for both people and pets is limited to designated dune crossings. Only take pets on crossings that directly access beaches open to the animals. Access is limited to designated crossings in order to protect fragile sand dunes and the beachgrass that helps to keep them stabilized. While beachgrass can withstand harsh coastal conditions, it does not survive being trampled by foot traffic.

• Dogs must be kept on a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times. Sorry, but no matter how much your pet likes to swim, you can’t take him off the leash to play in the surf.

• Pets are never allowed in picnic areas, park buildings, and bird nesting areas, or on nature trails.

• You must ALWAYS clean up after your dog. Do not bury feces in the sand or throw it in the dunes or water. Remember, animal feces may carry diseases harmful to people. Please dispose of animal waste in an appropriate manner.

• Try to bring your dog to the beach at less crowded hours, early morning or late afternoon. It’s also more comfortable for your dog at these times because it will be a little cooler.

• Please keep dogs from shaking water on or invading the space of others.

• Never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle or camper. This is especially true in the summer when high temperatures can become life threatening for an animal.

• Always remember that it is the responsibility of dog owners, not the dog, to respect others!

Explore the Inland Bays

Have you ever wanted to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the resort area? Are you tired of spending another day just lying on the beach? Why not explore another exciting part of coastal Delaware…the inland bays? The Division provides a number of fun and educational opportunities to get out and experience this unique area of the state by taking guided pontoon tours. The tours take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through August 29. All tours start at the Indian River Marina located at Delaware Seashore State Park. Estuarine Ecology Boat Tours run from 10 a.m. until noon. These tours are a scientific investigation of the inland bay habitat. Participants perform simple water tests, collect and identify plants and animals, and discuss the role humans play in the ecology of our imperiled coastal waters. The tour costs $15 per person. Rehoboth Bay Boat Tours run from 1pm to 2:30 p.m. These tours are a relaxing sightseeing opportunity on the bay. A naturalist is on board to discuss the formation of the bays, estuarine and saltmarsh ecology, and connections between humans and the bays. The tour costs $10 per person. All tours are available on a first-come, first served basis and are limited to a total of 49 participants. Groups of ten or more persons are encouraged to call the park office at 302-227-2800 to reserve spaces.