Boone Co Disaster Animal Response Team D.A.R.T

Please Join us for the "Official" opening of the District's off leas Dog Park.  Bring your four-footed friend(s) and help us celebrate.  Refreshments for both human and canine visitors will be served.  Call (815)547-7935 for more information.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT BEAVER BLUFFS?  

As you drive by BCCD’s Beaver Bluffssite on State Street between Shaw Road and Olson Road, you maynotice some changes . A lot has been accomplished on this site within the lastyear and a half. First, there was a road! Then came a picnic shelter Now awindmill, a shed and fence! How did that happen?

Thankfully, the BCCD has been therecipient of many donations. It has been questioned by some that the “BCCD isspending a lot of money to develop this site.” This could not be further fromthe truth. There have been many donors contributing their time, their energy,and finances to make this project a reality.

A grand opening for this site hadbeen planned for mid October, but because of inclement weather it was postponeduntil spring of 2010. The final step at this site is the completion of anoff-leash dog area, which will be called Hammertime Unleashed, in recognitionof their support.

 To use the off-leash dog area,you must purchase a dog tag (available now) at BCCD’s Roger Gustafson NatureCenter at 603 N. Appleton Rd. in Belvidere. The cost for the tag (which must beon your dog) is $30/year for a Boone County resident. The nonresident fee is$40/year. Additional dog tags may be purchased for an extra $10/dog. You willbe required to show proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The tags will begood from now through December 31, 2010.

There will be four areas for users andtheir dogs:

Area 1 will be strictly for smaller or more timid dogs.

Area 2 will be a general open play area for all types of dogs.

Area 3 is a water attraction consisting of a windmill that pumps water to asmall pool.

Area 4 has trails through the tall grassy part of the site.

All four areas will be fenced, withgates to get your dog into the different areas without leashing.

Boone County Animal Control will beworking with the BCCD to offer many helpful classes at the site.

They could include classes that will help an owner and dog be successful atusing an off-leash dog area.

As soon as the fence goes up, the site will be open and ready for the dogs.

For more information call815-547-7935.

Hammertime Unleashed hats are onsale at the Nature Center for $15.00. All proceeds from the sale of the hatswill benefit the dog park.