Hooksett is fortunate to have five major conservation areas with multiple entry and exit points. Over 25% of the town is in fact protected by conservation easements, and by most accounts, this is pretty great!
People often ask why the town doesn’t provide trash containers and pet waste stations on our trails. This article addresses some of those questions.
1. Why don’t we have trash containers at trailheads?
Trails in Hooksett, and many across NH, are carry-in, carry-out for several reasons:
- This practice minimizes costs of maintaining trails for taxpayers.
- Trash barrels can fill up quickly with food waste, fish parts, and other rubbish, attracting undesirable smells and critters.
- Trash that gets left behind can be harmful to wildlife: broken glass, plastics, Styrofoam, 6-pack rings, spoiled food, and pet waste.
- Trash barrels in remote locations are sometimes used for dumping.
- When trash barrels are full, people will often leave their trash anyway, creating a bigger problem.
- Trash barrels can get knocked over, spilling garbage and further threatening the environment and waterways.
- When tied down and secured, trash barrels are harder to empty on a regular basis.
When people respect trails and handle their own trash (and that of their pets), costs are lower and trails are left in their beautiful, pristine condition. We’re proud of our trails in Hooksett; let’s work to keep them unspoiled for the benefit of all humans and wildlife.
For more information on littering, refer to Town Ordinance #00-33. Violators may be subject to a minimum $250 fine for the first offense.
2. What is the Conservation Commission’s stance on dogs on trails?
Like many communities, we love our dogs! Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same. Therefore, the Hooksett Conservation Commission has worked to strike a balance between dog lovers and not-so-lovers. Dogs need exercise just like people and are welcome on our trails as long as:
- Owners take responsibility for pets.
- Pets are leashed and under control of their handlers.
- Pet waste is removed from the conservation area by the handler.
Dog owners need to be respectful of other humans and pets on trails. Some adults and children fear dogs and don’t appreciate animals coming up to them. Some dogs may not be friendly to other dogs approaching. Some people and dogs have pet allergies that can be triggered by contact.
For more information on dog restraints and penalties, refer to Town Ordinance #00-4. Violators may be subject to fines and forfeiture.
3. More on dogs, what’s the real scoop on poop?
Besides just being gross and unsightly, dog poop is actually harmful to humans, pets, wildlife, and waterways. Hooksett has over 1,700 dogs, and every dog has to “go” two or three times per day. That’s a lot of poop, and it can be dangerous. Pet waste can carry harmful bacteria such as Giardia and Salmonella. When it gets into water, these microorganisms are unsafe for drinking and swimming. Animals can be infected by coming into contact with fecal-contaminated soil.
No one other than the owner is responsible for removing poop from conservation trails. Pet waste stations are available at the Hooksett Dog Park, but trails and conservation areas are carry-in, carry-out. Poop stations are costly to maintain, especially in remote areas. And above all, don’t bother to bag the waste, and then leave it behind or toss it into the woods. Take the pledge to “Scoop the Poop,” and let’s keep dogs welcome in our community!
And don’t forget to take it with you!
— JoCarol Woodburn
HOOKSETT CONSERVATION COMMISSION 