In order to highlight the commitment dog owners have to taking care of and responsibility for the parks in which their dogs run off-leash, LI-DOG has launched stewardship programs at Coindre Hall, West Hills, and Blydenburgh County parks. A committee of dog owners who are active at the park will lead these programs, which are common in successful dog parks around the country. Each committee will organize dog owners at that specific dog park to help care for the dog park and improve the dog park experience for everyone.

    Among the key jobs of park stewards will be to educate users of the dog park about cleanup, rules and good dog park behavior; help keep the dog park clean and orderly; organize volunteers; make people aware of the dog owner group behind the dog park; work with the parks department to identify needed repairs and improvements; and plan cleanup days and social events that will bring the dog owner community together and educate others about the benefits of dog parks.

    For information about upcoming events and how to become a steward, contact one of the following people:

• For Blydenburgh and LI-DOG BiSCIT (LI-DOG Blydenburgh Stewardship Committee & Implementation Team), the Stewardship Coordinator is Cathy Clausen, e-mail: bscit@optonline.net
• For Coindre Hall, the Stewardship Coordinator is Rich Robbins, e-mail: dogsdad@optonline.net
• For West Hills Park, the Stewardship Coordinator is LI-DOG Stewardship, e-mail: lidog_news@yahoo.com

    As always, keep in touch by e-mailing us at lidog_news@yahoo.com.