Courtesy of Sacramento County Stormwater Quality
The Sacramento County Stormwater Quality Program has partnered with Arcade Creek
Recreation and Park District and local volunteer groups to develop a cost-effective pilot
program called "Scoop the Poop." The program aims to reduce the bacteria found in local
waterways caused by the improper disposal of pet waste in our parks and trails.
The "Scoop the Poop" Program offers park-goers a convenient, earth-friendly way to
pick up after their pets at four parks within the Arcade Creek Recreation and Park
District: Hamilton Street, Oakdale, and Arcade Creek Park, as well as Holyoke Trail.
What is the problem?
The Unincorporated County has more than 254 parks that span over 23,000 acres, and
provide numerous social and recreational opportunities for residents. Studies show that
animal waste is a major source of bacteria (fecal coliform) found in Sacramento area
urban runoff. When dog waste is left on park grass and along trails, runoff from rain and
sprinklers carries it into storm drains and waterways. In addition, dog waste is unsightly
and generates many public complaints.
How it works
The "Scoop the Poop" program is a community stewardship program. Individuals can
either leave their plastic grocery bags at the pet waste bag stations for others or take a bag
to use for picking up and disposing of pet waste.
Working with the park districts, volunteer groups will install the stations at designated
areas. Not only is this program good for the environment and cost effective, it will also
build connections within the community.
For more information, check out the Scoop the Poop Program PDF
Fact Sheet
If you are interested in installing Scoop the Poop signs,
please call 874-5733 or email
parrisj@saccounty.net
We would like to thank the following groups for supporting the Scoop the Poop
Program:
- Junior Girl Scout Troop 1308
- Bel Air Supermarket, 4005 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael
- Albertsons, 4708 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael
- Albertsons, 5445 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento
- Safeway, 4040 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael
This article originally appeared in our Winter 2007 Newsletter