BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 21, 2023
Strolling along a public trail, you breathe in the fresh air and feel your stress melt away. Birds sing. Tree branches sway in the breeze. Sunlight warms your skin. And then you step in a pile of dog poop. Yuck. Unfortunately, many people have endured this traumatic experience. Dog waste has long been a problem in public outdoor spaces, in trail networks and on beaches. And in addition to being disgusting, this problem is a public health concern, and can harm the environment and wildlife. In June 2018, Acadia National Park launched a new Bark Ranger Program to encourage dog owners to learn and practice good etiquette. BARK is an acronym for: Bag your poop, Always wear a leash, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go.