Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) is excited to announce the opening of an experimental off-leash dog area at the Big Goose Natural Area (BGNA). This trial program expands recreational opportunities for local dog owners while promoting responsible trail use and wildlife stewardship.
The new off-leash area is located inside the Big Goose Natural Area, situated just east of the SCLT office. Look for the yellow “Trailhead” and off-leash access signs. Once inside the off-leash area, dogs are welcome to explore the developed trails off-leash, as long as they remain under reliable voice control.
SCLT asks visitors to help maintain this opportunity by following a few key rules: respect any temporary closures or restrictions, stay on designated trails, clean up after your dog, and prevent your dog from chasing livestock or wildlife. Dogs must remain on leash at all times in other parts of BGNA and at the neighboring Bridges property.
“We know there are limited places in Sheridan where dogs can legally and safely be off leash,” said Jared Koenig, SCLT Director of Recreation. “This experimental area is designed to help meet that community need while balancing recreation with ranching and conservation.”
SCLT emphasizes that this is a trial program and encourages users to share feedback on their experiences. “Our goal is to learn from this project,” Koenig added. “If the guidelines are followed and the experiment is successful, we will be excited to make the off-leash area a permanent part of the Big Goose Natural Area.”
SCLT is asking for visitor feedback on the off-leash dog area. Visitors are encouraged to share their experience with Koenig via email (Jared@SheridanCLT.org) or using the hashtag #BGNA on Facebook or Instagram.
The SCLT Big Goose Natural Area is located at 14 Lane Ln, just outside of Sheridan. For more information about the Big Goose Natural Area and SCLT’s trail systems, visit SheridanCLT.org
