Due to recent increases in dog activity, and conflicts between dogs, wildlife, and other trails users and uses, the Natural Resources Commission held several public meetings in 2017 to consider leash restrictions at some of Concord's conservation lands. More than 70 percent of Town conservation lands remain open to off leash dog walking. 

Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs on Conservation Lands

Click here for a Map of NRC Lands and Leash Requirements

Click on the links below to learn more on canine conflicts:

• A Review of the Impacts of Nature Based Recreation on Birds
• Bad Dog: A new study examines the wildlife impacts of free-range canines
• Bark in the Park: A Review of Domestic Dogs in Parks
• Biological Conservation: The ecological impact of humans and dogs on wildlife in protected areas in eastern North America
• Dogs, Access and Nature Conservation - English Nature 2005
• Four-legged Friend or Foe? Dog walking displaces native birds from natural areas - Biology Letters, December 2007
• Quiet, Nonconsumptive Recreation Reduces Protected Area Effectiveness
• Recreational Use of Forests and Disturbance of Wildlife
• The Effects of Dogs on Wildlife Communities - Natural Areas Journal, 2008
• The Impacts of Dogs on Wildlife and Water Quality - Metro Parks and Nature, April 2016
• Wildlife Responses to Pedestrians and Dogs - Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2001
• Wildlife Responses to Recreation and Associated Visitor Perceptions