I've been away from Tweeters a couple months so this may have already
been discussed. If so, sorry to take up space. Nov 14 at the Seattle
City Council Chambers will be a hearing on proposed leash free dog run
areas in 7 Seattle Parks. Living near Magnuson Park, I am especially
concerned about the proposal there. For Magnuson 2 areas are proposed -
1)along most of the north border (adjoining NOAA) and extending southward
along the west border; 2)the northernmost section of waterfront. The
waterfront area seems to abut that concrete ammo shed (or whatever it is)
where all those cliff swallows nest in summer (where do the swallows go
inn winter?). If this plan should survive appeals , it will be a one
year trial. Will the swallows return and try to next another year if the
dogs scare them away during the trial year? Last winter I saw a couple
snow buntings on that beach altho I have no idea if it's a preferred
area for them.

The proposed run along the park's borders also seems inappropriate.
I've seen snipes close to that area and generally it seems pretty wild
(not many people hanging around, high grass, shrubby plants). I think
I recall some nice sightings reported by Tweeters along the park's
north border. I wonder why the hill wasn't chosen (Sand Point Head).
It seems barren and is used mainly to fly kites.

I also don't see why so many parks must be included. Well OK, so as
to get realistic ideas of use. But it's going to be expensive to put
up all those signs, fences, plastic bag holders, etc. for projects
that may fail. Also, it seems fences won't be built at all locations.
I suppose there will be maps for owners to show the dogs so they don't
venture outside the designated area.

The city has issued a "Determination of Non-significance". A couple
quotes from the section, "General Operating Impacts"

"The project may potentially have adverse operating environmental impacts
with respect to erosion, odors, water quality, plants and animals,
environmental health, recreation, traffic, aesthetics and public
services.....However, because this is only a one-year project, where
use and impacts will be carefully monitored, with opportunity for
adjustment during the pilot, these impacts are not considered significant."
(OK, but who will tell this to the birds?)

"Dogs running off-leash may impact existing animal populations by chasing,
or in some cases catching animals, and otherwise disturbing them by
their presence. However, no endangered or threatened species appear
to be impacted, and an effort was made in selection of the areas to avoid
sites with significant wildlife resources." Well there's a lot more
and if anyone wants a copy of this document I would be glad to send
one (with Magnuson map). Jan Drago seems to be the key councilperson.

Maybe I'm over reacting on this but I don't see the non-significance
of this project, so please let me know. Thanks. I typed this awfully
fast sohope it's coherent.

Emily Mandelbaum
Seattle
MCI Mail
MCI ID: 499-9429