Conservation

Dog Training

Approximately 100 acres have been designated for year-round dog training at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt. Organized dog trials are held throughout the year. No dogs allowed on areas not designated for year-round dog training during wildlife nesting season (March 15 to July 15).

Dog Training & Trialing Rules

LEASH LAW

All dogs must be leashed at all times in areas designated and signed as “No­ Hunting” areas. This is the area north of NE 126th Ave., and includes all mowed turf areas such as picnicking and camping areas, trails, parking areas, mowed areas around the Longhouse, and all adjacent waters.

Exceptions:

A. In the taller grass field north of the Longhouse and water to the north and west.

B. In fields west of the Longhouse bordered on the west by the AREA 2 road and water to the north.

C. Dogs on the line in the mowed area north of the Longhouse during trials (must be leased while being walked to the line and back from parking area).

Per Polk County ordinance, dogs must also be leashed on all areas outside No Hunting and training areas from March 15 through July15 to protect nesting birds and young wildlife.

EXERCISE AREAS

Dogs must be aired or exercised during trials in designated areas only. These areas will be designated by the Trial Chair, or representative, and the area manager prior to the trial and signed accordingly.

DRIVING

All vehicles are confined to public roadways. Observe all signs prohibiting entry in restricted areas.

PARKING

Parking is allowed in designated parking areas and along Park roadways (parallel) as long as it does not create traffic congestion or hazards. Parking is prohibited along both sides of NE 126th Ave. (the main hard surface road west of the Longhouse) in violation of Sect.

321.354 if the Iowa Code. Observe all permanent and temporary “No Parking” signs during trials.

LIVE ROUNDS, POPPERS, AND BLANKS

Live rounds must be fired in a direction away from all roads, buildings, picnic and camping areas, etc. In accordance with Conservation Board regulations, firearms are prohibited on all “No Hunting” areas, including all areas north of NE 126th Ave. The use of shotguns and poppers is prohibited behind the Longhouse and in the AREA 2 field due to excessive noise to campers and other park users.

Exceptions:

A. Training. Blanks will be allowed north of the Longhouse and AREA 2 field if safely used and the noise is not bothering other park users, especially Longhouse groups, picnickers, and campers.

B. Trials. Live ammunition in “No Hunting” areas will only be allowed during organized trials. Before setting up a test north of the Longhouse, east of AREA 2, or in any other questionable area, permission must be received from the Area Manager.

TRAINING METHODS AND DEVICES

All devices that inflict pain will be used in moderation. If, in the opinion of park staff, a trainer is causing excessive pain and suffering to dogs he/she will be banned from future training and trialing activities at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt.

CUTTING VEGETATION

No vegetation (grass, trees, shrubs, etc.) may be cut or removed without authorization of the Area Manager.

TRASH AND DEAD BIRDS

All trash, dead birds, shell casings, etc. will be disposed of properly. Dead birds are NOT to be put in garbage containers but are to be taken home or placed in garbage bags and disposed of in the dumpster in the Longhouse parking lot.

LIVE FLYERS

If live flyers are to be used for a test, keep this activity out of public view to the greatest extent possible. Keep dead birds picked up and disposed of when not being used.

TRAINING IN THE MARSH

The northwest corner of the marsh will be open for the training of dogs from Spring until the Thursday before the fall AKC licensed retriever fjeld trial. Exceptions are impassible roads, flooding, scheduled trials, construction, etc., at which times the gate will be locked.

A. Training is allowed daily from 8:00 am until sunset.

B. Individuals or parties wishing to use the marsh are required to sign in and out on the sign­up sheet located behind the AREA 1 sign near the gate

C. When entering or leaving the road to the marsh, close the gate after you or your party have driven through it.

D. Shotguns and poppers are prohibited on Sundays while training due to excessive noise.

E. Vehicles are allowed on the rocked outer dikes of the northwest corner under most conditions. They are NOT allowed on the un­rocked dikes of the northwest corner. If park personnel determine that vehicles need to be prohibited from dikes due to wet conditions, etc., a chain will be put across the opening. Use common sense on whether dikes are too wet. If dikes are not to be driven on, park in the near­by parking area and walk (do not block the entrance to the marsh).

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is a public facility. Its use for training and trialing is a privilege. Abuse or disregard of the above rules will be grounds for the termination of these privileges for offending parties.