Pinecrest no-dog rule will be enforced

The U.S. Forest Service this weekend will cite people who bring their dogs to the Pinecrest Lake Day Use Area, Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski said.

The area, generally known as the picnic area, includes the Pinecrest beaches and amphitheater.
 

Since 2004, dogs have been prohibited from May 15 to Sept. 15 in the area between the marina and fishing pier and from the road to the lake.    

Signs are posted on a new boundary fence, clearly showing where dogs are prohibited, according to a Forest Service press release.

Skalski said she regrets having to issue tickets, but visitors continue to bring dogs into the area, which creates conflicts. Some of the issues that led to the dog ban are barking, biting and waste on beaches, according to the release.

Dogs are allowed on the Pinecrest Recreation Trail, a four-mile trail around the lake. A designated trail has been constructed to allow people walking dogs to travel between the marina and fishing pier on the outside of the day use area.

The Tuolumne County leash law states that dogs must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash while on the trail and other areas in the Pinecrest Recreation Area.

The Forest Service also is asking people to clean up their dog’s waste, to not leave their dogs unattended, and to leave aggressive or noisy dogs at home.