Dog Park supporters have worked for some two years on this project.  They submitted a petition of more than 1000 names of persons who support it.

No county funds would be spent on the Dog Park.  Volunteers will be responsible for installing a fence, landscaping, maintenance and policing.  There will be no greater liability for the county in this area than in any other area of the park.  No long term commitment on use of the property is being requested.

Dog parks are not just for dogs.  They offer a place for dogs to run off leash and exercise while their owners enjoy the company of other log lovers.  Folks who don’t have their own dogs have an opportunity to enjoy the company of these friendly pets.

Dog parks are considered an enhancement for tourism.  Many people travel with their pets and seek out places that provide a place for pets to unwind.

Attend the Public Hearing if you can.  Commissioners need to know who supports the Dog Park.

Join us for lively discussion of new plans for Blackburn Park and other issues.  Let’s discuss how we can take advantage of opportunities to be involved.

We believe that working together we will be more effective at dealing with issues than we are as individuals going up against the challenges alone.

Let’s make this last LCHA meeting of  the year a celebration as we plan for 2010.

A person who is trained in managing tree farms will be paid a percentage of income received for timber he designates desirable for harvest. He makes more money if he recommends cutting the most valuable trees. Can you envision a better example of the fox guarding the hen house?

It has been very difficult to tell what is going on with this project. In public, statements are made about getting rid of beetle infested trees, yet in private, admission that those beetle damaged trees have been dead for years. They refer to Blackburn Park trees as timber needing to be managed as though the property is a tree farm; then they show a plan for trails and picnicking.

They sought back-up from County Extension Agent Greg Shepherd who said, “I support managed forestry. This is the proper course for a tract of land and what I would do if this was my property.”

I don’t know anybody who doesn’t support managed forestry. I don’t know many private individuals who could pay property tax on 200 acres without getting some revenue from it? And I don’t find Shepherd’s statement much of a recommendation to cut trees in a county park.

By voting for the Conceptual Plan, commissioners have handed this hot potato to County Manager Stan Kelley. They are well aware of accusations leveled at a former commissioner for scalping the land that was developed as Yahoola Creek Park. Will commissioners escape the wrath of county residents by making Stan Kelley the scapegoat? Or, will county residents remember to hold commissioners accountable for the acts of their employees?