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Conservation Lands
Click here to view individual trail maps and guides completed by the Trails Committee that provide information about the historical and ecological treasures each property possesses, as well as, links to adjacent Town and regional trail systems.
The 7/19/18 Concord Journal included a letter from the NRC
regarding dogs on conservation land. Due to word count limits, the full article was unable to be published, but can be viewed by clicking here.
Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs on Conservation Lands
Click here for New Dog Regulations Adopted by the NRC on December 20, 2017
Click here for a Map of NRC Lands and Leash Requirements, and here for a List of NRC Properties and Trails Evaluated for a Leash Restriction
Click here for the letter sent to Concord households with registered dogs.
Important Information on Ticks in Concord
Unfortunately, the deer tick population is increasing, and the number of pathogens that are transmitted by ticks is on the rise too. Ticks are prevalent on conservation lands, as well as yards, golf courses, and orchards. Not all ticks carry pathogens, but many do. Please be aware of the hazards of deer ticks, how to avoid being bitten, and what to do if you have been bitten. For more information, please click here or visit the Health Division’s webpage http://www.concordma.gov/717/Tick-borne-Diseases.
Three public meetings will be held over the next several weeks to review public comment and determine next steps. All meetings will be held at 141 Keyes Road, 1st Floor Meeting Room.
Click to view Minutes and Agendas.
| Meeting Dates for Dogs on Conservation Land |
Time | |
|---|---|---|
| June 29, 2017 |
7:00 p.m. |
|
| July 12, 2017 |
7:30 a.m. |
|
| July 27, 2017 |
7:00 p.m. |
Due to recent increases in dog activity, and conflicts between dogs, wildlife, and other trails users and uses, the Natural Resources Commission held a public hearing on May 11, 2017 to consider leash restrictions at some of Concord's conservation lands, including Punkatasset, Mattison Field, and farmlands on conservation land.
Click here to see the Powerpoint Presentation regarding Dogs on Conservation Land.
Click on the links below to learn more on canine conflicts:- A Review of the Impacts of Nature Based Recreation on Birds
- Bad Dog: A new study examines the wildlife impacts of free-range canines
- Bark in the Park: A Review of Domestic Dogs in Parks
- Biological Conservation: The ecological impact of humans and dogs on wildlife in protected areas in eastern North America
- Dogs, Access and Nature Conservation - English Nature 2005
- Four-legged Friend or Foe? Dog walking displaces native birds from natural areas - Biology Letters, December 2007
- Quiet, Nonconsumptive Recreation Reduces Protected Area Effectiveness
- Recreational Use of Forests and Disturbance of Wildlife
- The Effects of Dogs on Wildlife Communities - Natural Areas Journal, 2008
- The Impacts of Dogs on Wildlife and Water Quality - Metro Parks and Nature, April 2016
- Wildlife Responses to Pedestrians and Dogs - Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2001
- Wildlife Responses to Recreation and Associated Visitor Perceptions
At the July 27, 2017 meeting, the Natural Resources Commission reviewed a Working Plan to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users on conservation lands. If you are interested in working with the NRC on any of the three focus areas, please email Natural Resources Director Delia Kaye at dkaye@concordma.gov with the area that you are interested in and your contact information.
Dogs on Conservation Land Subcommittee Meetings (141 Keyes Road, 1st Floor Conference Room)
| Date | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| September 13, 2017 | 4:00 p.m. | Education |
| September 25, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. | Effective Control |
| September 27, 2017 | 7:30 a.m. | Education |
| October 2, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. | Dog Waste |
| October 10, 2017 | 2:00 p.m. | Effective Control |
| October 17, 2017 | 7:30 a.m. | Dog Waste |
| October 23, 2017 (cancelled) | 7:00 p.m. | Education |
After several months of discussion, the NRC has developed reports from the Education, Effective Control, and Dog Waste Subcommittees. New Dog Rules were also developed, as well as a report on the Natural Resources Values of Concord's most popular Town conservation lands. Click on the links below to see these reports.
Effective Control Subcommittee Report
Natural Resources Values of Concord's Conservation Lands
Dog Regulations on Town Conservation Lands
Click here to view the NRC's 1/22/18 presentation to the Select Board
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Concord Conservation Land Regulations
Link to page -
Land Use Permit
Link to page -
Trail Maps and Guides
Link to page -
Tickborne Diseases
Link to page