City residents who frequent community trails, parks, streams and sidewalks are being reminded of the importance of pet poop cleanup. Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the City of Bozeman have teamed up to create, produce, and post an eye-catching–and often cheeky–series of signs geared at prompting folks to clean up after their pets.
Pet feces not scooped and disposed of properly is an issue for the Bozeman community in many ways. It can pose a health risk to children and adults, and it can also wash into our city storm drains or directly into our urban streams, becoming detrimental to our water quality. The goal of this sign program is to raise general awareness and serve as a friendly reminder to do your individual part to keep our parks, trails, sidewalks, and waterways clean and healthy for all to use and enjoy.
“We’ve had great success with the dog waste signs we installed in the City’s watershed along the Sourdough Trail,” stated GVLT Associate Director Kelly Pohl, “by expanding our reach into Bozeman proper, we will continue to raise general mindfulness to clean up after your pet. Dog waste affects us all.”
The City of Bozeman was pleased to partner on this project with GVLT. “The City is working hard to raise stormwater awareness.
Pet waste from yards, parks, and trails eventually finds its way into our urban waterways. Places where we fish, swim, and play with our children. It’s time to make large strides in being more mindful of our urban waterways–this partnership with GVLT is a perfect opportunity,” remarked City of Bozeman Stormwater Program Coordinator Kyle Mehrens.
The signs will be installed in Bozeman-area City parks, along the community trail system, and along high-traffic sidewalks. Mitch Overton, Director of Bozeman’s Parks and Recreation Department, added, “The City of Bozeman and its residents have invested in our parks and trails. It’s up to all of us to maintain that investment. Thanks to GVLT for continuing to be such an important City partner and advocate for healthy trails and open spaces.”
The signs have already begun sprouting around town. Dog waste stations are conveniently located at many parks and trails across town, making pet pick-up quick and easy. For more information, please visit gvlt.org/. •