On a more serious note; the amount of dog dirt deposited on the north shore is having a significant impact on surface water quality in the downgradient recieving environment. Streams below dog walking areas can contain as much as 2,000 - 4,000 fecal coliform units per 100 ml. Upgradient stream samples typically contain less than 10 but may peak to 40 CFM/100 ml. The recreation guideline is 200 CFM/100ml above which contact with the surface water body is not recommended and can result in stomach upset and skin rashes.
Thanks for this post KNN, this was the type of Dialogue I was hoping to get into.
As for why I am stepping in it all the time. I stop to stretch my hamstrings, grab a drink and fine tune my saddle height, pro-pedal etc once i get above the gate, I usually do this between the gate and the drinking fountain, and usually on the east side of the road. It seem like me or one of my riding friends almost always hits a pile. either stepping in it or rolling thru it.
I now look carefully before i roll onto the shoulder anywhere near the gate.
i am surprised at the direction this post took, i expected more reaction to the 400 plus shits per week and thought someone would react to the 21,000 craps per year.
As for KNN's stats, there is a major creek right at the gate, and I bet the fecal matter in it is way higher than the other main creeks off that slope.
As for the argument that all animals crap in the woods. I would assume there are lots of small rodents, the occasional raccoon family, a few coyotes, maybe 1 cougar and a small number of bears on the entire south slope, this is a tiny load compared to the concentration of Dogs near the gate. And as stated earlier, their diets are much different than the local wildlife's diet.
E
The King of E-Ville
Welcome to "E-ville"
population "Me"