We are extremely disappointed to bring you this very bad news, but the NRC voted (December 20, 2017) 4-1 in favor of restricting dogs off-leash from Punkatasset. It is essentially what they have been saying they wanted to do from day one. Our pleas for a trial period of lesser restrictions and our presentation of evidence to the contrary seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
Unfortunately, some correctly predicted this and saw their series of meetings as just a means to appease the public and satisfy town requirements. It appears we were not being listened to and our questioning of their “science” was interpreted somehow as being anti-environmental. We are disappointed not only in their decision, but in their process and failure to consider how valuable this resource is to so many townspeople.
Had there been a reasonable and well constructed case against dogs off-leash, we would certainly have supported it. We value our land and seek to preserve it for future generations. After careful analysis, we never saw any evidence of how dogs are detrimental and the few negative studies cited by the NRC, were primarily from foreign countries and completely inapplicable to Concord. Three local, independent experts (with doctoral degrees in environmental sciences) saw no level of increased damage from dogs off-leash. Tom French, the Massachusetts Fish and Game Assistant Director, even went so far as to say, dogs are often cited more often for political purposes, not environmental. The NRC also neglected to collect any baseline data prior to the hearings and it was only at the urging of Concord Unleashed, that the head of the NRC actually visited Punkatasset this fall for the first time. We find the whole experience to have been very unprofessional, poorly managed and totally subjective.
Such blatant and willful ignorance of the facts is difficult to stomach. Having participated in all of these summer meetings, Concord Unleashed witnessed this bias from day one and has done their best to educate and inform the NRC members. Very early in the process, a petition with over 1100 signatures was presented to Delia (along with hundreds of comments from local citizens). Mid summer, a poll conducted by the Boston Globe again showed overwhelming support for continued off-leash use of Punkatasset. Lastly, a more recent comprehensive survey and analysis with over 600 responses from Concord dog owners was hand delivered to the NRC. This is all very valuable and useful information, but for some strange reason, it was virtually ignored and discounted by the NRC director and majority of voting members.
Fortunately, Concord has always been a leader and innovator, thinking for itself and not afraid to rebel. We have already filed a warrant for this coming years town meeting, and the NRC must still present their “case” to the Select Board, and then hold a public meeting. As soon as the time is announced, we will let everyone know. It is important that you continue to make your voices heard to the Select Board, since the NRC has not been responsive to it’s constituents and primary users.
We are continuing to work on this and believe that there is a solution much less drastic than an outright ban. However, because they have essentially shut us out of the process, we are no longer working with the NRC (who still have yet to disclose what they are proposing for the other conservation properties). We also hold the power to vote and there may be other ways to make your voices heard. We will be updating as needed and thank you again for all of your support.
Concord Unleashed