Last weekend the ERC helped organize a “Best in Show” Dog Show with Idahound during the Board Bin’s Skatepark Fundraiser. There were 31 dogs who participated and awards included best in show, pet/owner lookalike, best runway walk, and dog in sheep’s costume.  In addition to supporting the Skatepark, the ERC was able to raise awareness for our Pick Up for the Planet (PÜP) program.

The PÜP program is an annual sponsorship program for individuals and businesses to help the ERC maintain poop-free trailheads. This is particularly important because here in the valley we love our dogs! So far this year the ERC has been able to purchase three new dog waste bins thanks to several generous donations. These bins have been specially designed with our valley in mind! They are bear resistant, weatherproof, and have a small opening to prevent people from disposing trash in the bins.

Did you know…

• The rivers and streams of the Wood River basin are fed almost entirely by rain and snow runoff. As this flows down from hillsides, it brings with it sediment and uncollected waste. Every time someone neglects to pick up and dispose of their pet’s waste, they are adding to the pollution of our waterways.
• Pet waste contains extremely high levels of phosphorous and nitrogen. When added to the water these elements encourage rampant algae growth, which in turn degenerates and alters the river ecosystem.
• Unlike horses, deer, and other domestic and wild animals, dog waste contains microbes that can be harmful to humans and dogs alike including parasites, E.Coli, Salmonella, and Giardia, just to name a few.
• A 2012 study of trailhead use throughout the Wood River Valley discovered approximately 160,380 dog, trail-days from April to November. That’s a whole lot of dogs!

To learn more about the ERC’s PÜP Program click here.

To donate to the ERC’s PÜP Program click here. Make sure you state in the note section that you would like your donation to go toward PUP.