Off-leash dog issue for Streaked Horned Larks nesting at Herbert Farm -- how to report
clear...@peak.org
Today a local conservationist brought to my attention that at least one individual has been rather flagrantly letting his dogs roam off-leash at Herbert Farm & Natural Area, which is managed by Corvallis Parks & Recreation.
This is a nesting site for Streaked Horned Larks, which are federally listed as a Threatened taxon under the Endangered Species Act. Their status is under review by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, following a successful lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity, which argued that they should be classified as Endangered.
Last year several pairs of Streaked Horned Larks nested successfully at Herbert Farm. The city has signs up warning people to keep their dogs on leash and explaining how off-leash dogs could impact nesting larks. However, this individual is ignoring the very clear signage.
Word from Corvallis Parks & Recs staff today is that they will review their signage. The language of the signs may need to be strengthened, to mention that violators could be subject to federal prosecution under the Endangered Species Act if their actions lead to deaths of Streaked Horned Lark eggs or chicks.
Parks & Rec staff say that they do not have enforcement authority. They recommend that if you see a dog off-leash in that area you should call Animal Control at 541-766-9624.
If you're able to obtain identifying information (such as license plate numbers), I suggest also reporting violators to the Corvallis Police Department, and to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, so there will be a record of these violations which could be used for prosecution in the event of documented impacts.
I would not recommend aggressive personal confrontations that could put your own safety in jeopardy. However a reasonably courteous reminder to point out the signage could be helpful, just to let this individual (or individuals) know that people are paying attention.
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Joel Geier
Camp Adair area north of Corvallis