In response to Joyce Barnett’s letter, I too enjoy Anchorage’s trail system and am grateful to Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage, as well as Singletrack Advocates and the many volunteers who spend time creating and maintaining our trails. I am also appalled by all the dog poop littering our trails and sidewalks.
I disagree with Joyce in her belief that somehow those on fat-tire bikes are solely responsible for the dog poop on our trails and carry the burden of cleaning it all up. Recently, while out on a ride, we waited for a walker with two off-leash dogs to pass before continuing our ride. When we called out to the walker that her dog was pooping, she continued walking, ignoring our calls to pick up her dog’s poop. According to Joyce, this would be my responsibility, since I am on a fat-tire bike.
The common denominator of dog poop on our trails is irresponsible dog owners, not just fat-tire bikes. If we are going to play the blame game, blame the dog owners. Joyce’s call for help should be aimed at dog owners, not the fat-tire biking community.
— Julie Saddoris
Anchorage
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