South Cumberland State Park is participating in the nationwide National Park Service initiative, encouraging responsible dog ownership in national and state parks, through the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program.
The program was first piloted in 2015 by the Olympic National Park. B.A.R.K. was officially launched as a program at Olympic the next year after the pilot program grew significantly in popularity.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger Program, says Park Ranger Hannah Sheley, awards pets with an official B.A.R.K. Ranger tag or badge after being educated on the following “B.A.R.K.” principles:
B – Bag your dog’s waste
A – Always use a leash
R – Respect Wildlife
K – Know where you can go
Aside from education purposes, Sheley says the B.A.R.K. Program is also a way for park-goers to help protect the wildlife and natural resources of the park. For example:
“Off-leash dogs can chase wildlife or run off designated trails, potentially causing erosion or damage to fragile ecosystems,” says Sheley.
She continues, “In addition, the program promotes safety by minimizing risk of dog-related injuries such as lost pets or off-leash encounters.”
Overall, Sheley notes that the program promotes stewardship in the community by creating a sense of shared responsibility in protecting nature, “being able to enjoy it with your pet responsibly.”
The program, held on Sunday, July 13, will begin at the South Cumberland State Park Visitor Center. From there, pets and owners will follow Sheley on a one-mile meadow hike, where the principles of the B.A.R.K Ranger Program will be discussed.
“At the end of the hike, your dogs will receive a SCSP B.A.R.K Ranger tag and a certificate which your dog will sign with its paw print with pet-safe ink,” say organizers.
Participants are asked to bring:
- Water (for owner and pet)
- Dog treats (optional)
- Dog waste bags
- Appropriate walking shoes
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
For more information or to register your pet for the program, visit the South Cumberland State Park website.
