Visitors to the popular Martis Creek Wildlife Area near Truckee may see a change to what is now a leash-free zone for dogs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which owns and operates Martis Creek Lake and Dam, is considering a leash law in its master plan for the area, which will be finalized in the summer of 2015.
Those who oppose the plan say there is no need for a change in Martis Creek, and that dog owners are taking proper care of the area. But the Corps says it is time to reassess the area after 35 years of operating under the same policy. Placer County currently has a leash law, but it has not been enforced at Martis Creek.
“Most dog owners are respectful of the environment, keeping their dogs out of sensitive bird nesting areas and cleaning up after them,” said Lorraine Comanor, a dog owner and retired physician in Truckee.
The decision to include a leash law in the master plan centers on the increased visitation to Martis Creek Lake and Dam, which includes the wildlife area where dogs are walked. Studies for the updated master plan seek to determine whether the area should be considered a developed area. The current master plan, passed in 1977, zones the area as undeveloped.
If Martis Creek becomes a developed area, it will then fall under federal laws enforced by the Corps that require leashes on dogs in developed areas.
“The way that we define developed areas is basically places where we are actively trying to get people engaged with the area by building trails, parking lots, informational plaques, and the like,” said Luke Burns, a public affairs specialist with the Corps. “We have been driving people there for decades and are planning new trails, which could cause that area to be considered a developed area.”
Visitation to Martis Creek has skyrocketed since the 1970s. Annual numbers hovered around 100,000 between 2009 and 2011, a more than 150 percent increase from the 20,000 to 40,000 annual visitors between 1987 and 2000, according to the draft master plan update.
To try to appease opponents, the proposal includes a 5-acre off-leash area that would be constructed just north of the campground. The area would include a source for drinking water, benches, picnic tables, water features, a designated parking lot, and a trail from the campground to the off-leash area.
Lopsided Public Opinion
Following a public meeting on Dec. 8 in Truckee regarding the updated master plan, the Corps decided to extend the comment period until Jan. 3 so the public could have additional opportunity to participate in the process, citing the high interest from the community.
While public comments are being reviewed, community opinion is emerging as falling largely on one side.
“Everyone was extremely passionate about the situation at the meeting, but I can say overwhelmingly the people we spoke to do not want a leash law,” Burns said.
Laurie Bower, a dog owner from Tahoe City, enjoys the loose regulations at Martis Creek but sees the rationale behind both sides.
“I want there to be a space for dogs to roam free and run, as that is a great benefit to being in the mountains to have that option,” she said. “However, I can see there being a need for regulating dog usage with so many visitors and locals.”
Many also see additional problems when dogs are leashed.
“Leash walking can provide many problems,” said Ellie Hyatt, a 40-year resident of Truckee who frequents Martis Creek with her dogs. “Often, dogs become protective of their owners if restrained, and if they run free, they usually greet each other without problems.”
However, some stakeholders realize there can be value to regulating popular mixed-use areas with sensitive wildlife and safety issues at stake.
“Most folks won’t be into this change, but leash laws make matters more black and white if something happens between two dogs, or between dogs and humans, or dogs and wildlife, in terms of knowing whether the dog was on leash or not,” said an employee of Placer County Animal Services, who asked to remain anonymous.
The proposed change still has months of studies and analysis ahead, and if changes are made they will come with the final plan, which is slated to be released in the summer of 2015.
