DOGPAW Update, October 29, 2004

Pacific Park Plan Complete
On Oct. 15, the Parks & Rec Advisory Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the final master plan for Pacific Park. The plan includes approximately eight fenced acres of off-leash space, with some nice landscaping features. It retains some trees and natural habitat. A diagram should soon be published on the Parks & Rec web site at Vancouver-Clark Country Parks & Recreation, Pacific Park.

Access during construction
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2005 and should last about 18 months. Parks & Rec staff have agreed to work with DOGPAW to devise a plan to provide continued off-leash access within Pacific Park during construction. Watch for updates.

DOGPAW Now an Official Non-Profit!
In early October, DOGPAW became registered with the state as a non-profit organization. We now are being led by three executive committee members and four additional board members. We still need up to eight more board members. See “We Need Your Help” below.

DOGPAW’s stated mission: “To work with dog owners and the community at large to promote awareness, acceptance and availability of off-leash areas in Clark County.” Since the city and county governments have made it clear that there is no money for off-leash areas, one of our most important jobs will be to raise money to build and maintain safe sites in our communities.

We Need Your Help ­ 3 Things You Can Do
1. Join a work group. Volunteer meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. For all of you who signed up to work with us and have made offers to help…now is the time! If you’re interested in joining a “work group” to help on one of the following committees, attend a planning meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Christ Community Lutheran Church
11900 NE 95th Street, Suite #440
(East Ridge Business Park, Building #4)
Vancouver, Washington

At this meeting, after a short overview of our new organization, we’ll split up, according to expertise and interest, into the following committees and divide the tasks that need to be completed in the coming weeks and months.
2. Consider joining the DOGPAW board. We need energetic and creative people to fill open positions on the board of directors. In addition to people with expertise in the committee areas above, we particularly need an attorney and CPA. If you are interested, send an e-mail to stephanieh@clarkdogpaw.org asking for more information and an application.

3. Become an official DOGPAW member. For a small, tax-deductible donation (or a large one, if you can afford it!), you can become a voting member of DOGPAW. All money raised through memberships, along with any other donations, will be used toward DOGPAW’s mission. Most immediate needs include continued poop pickup at Pacific Park (currently $136/month) and fencing for future sites (one in Hazel Dell may be available as early as next summer).   To become a member, please complete the membership form and return it, along with your check, to the address on the form.

New Web Address
We’ve got a new, easier-to-remember web address. Save it in your favorites: http://www.clarkdogpaw.org.