The U.S. Forest Service began cracking down on commercial dog walkers hiking on the agency’s land in some popular Utah canyons. Walking dogs in exchange for payment on USFS land is a commercial enterprise and against the federal rules, the agency says. (Although permits are distributed to ski resorts and even helicopter-skiing services, despite opposition from some environmentalists).
Other commercial ventures are also prohibited, including “unauthorized outfitting and guiding; commercial photography; shuttle services; selling or offering for sale any merchandise; and conducting any kind of work activity or service,” according to official USFS trail signage.
In the summer, many professional dog walkers have come to rely on the few dog-friendly canyons that provide shade and water. Under Salt Lake City ordinance, several nearby canyons are already off limits to all dogs. That’s because five canyons - City Creek; upper Red Butte; Parleys; Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood - are city watersheds and the source of more than 60% of the Salt Lake Valley’s drinking water.
Without access to federal land in popular canyons, the dog hikers feel the few spots remaining are at risk of becoming overrun by people with pups.
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Story by Sophia Jeremias
Video by Bethany Baker of The Salt Lake Tribune.
Негізгі бет Forest Service tells Utah professional dog walkers to take a hike - somewhere else
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