The joy of leaving the hustle and bustle behind you as you arrive on Masonboro Island is hard to describe. Walking down the beach with man's best friend jumping in the waves is a beautiful picture of serenity and joy. You can imagine how surprised and upset I was to discover new signs posted by the Coastal Reserve listing rules people should follow while visiting the island. The first one states that dogs must be on a leash. Last year the rule was that dogs must be under control of the owner at all times. Over labor day the New Hanover Sheriff's department issued citations to people with dogs off leash. The officer stated that New Hanover has had a county wide leash law for many years. While that is true, the Coastal Reserve has management responsibility for Masonboro Island. Just like the parks department could set aside an area for dogs off leash within a park they oversee, the Coastal Reserves policy of allowing dogs off leash would supersede the county rules. In the original Management plan for the island on page 39 the policy for dogs is clearly stated. It reads "All Pets must be under control".
In changing to the new rule I am not sure how much internal review they had. They certainly did not seek public comment. When I asked about it I was given a lot of anecdotal evidence on how dogs might be disturbing wildlife habitat. I walk the island three times a week and personally I have not seen it happen. We all know that foxes do more damage to wildlife habitat then all the visitors combined. Just changing the rule shows insensitivity to the many people who are responsible and do keep their dogs under control. The people who don't are probably not going to pay attention to the new leash law. For me this is a straw on the camel's back issue. I realize it is doubtful that the reserve will ever change it's position on this subject but I think is has the potential of creating a lot of ill will towards the agency. I think they should know this.
To change the rule they should have shown specific evidence that shows dogs being off leash is incompatible with specific research projects that are currently underway. Changing this rule may seem to make sense on the surface but the public's enjoyment of the island is an important component to the mission of the reserve. Without specific, on the ground evidence, it is unjustifiable to arbitrarily change rules.
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