Bridger-Teton National Forest will step up enforcement efforts to address the problem of dog waste after a recent survey counted 173 piles of poop left behind in the Cache Creek trailhead area.

The Jackson Ranger District will issue $175 tickets for violations. Officials will focus on the Cache Creek, Game Creek and Trail Creek trailheads because of the proximity of creeks in those areas, according to a news release.

“In order to reward those who are being responsible, it is necessary to hold individuals accountable who are not doing their part,” said Dale Deiter, Jackson District ranger, in the release. “The amount of dog waste in trailhead areas is simply not acceptable.”  

Dog waste has been an ongoing problem for many years. Bridger-Teton has worked with PAWS of Jackson Hole to address the issue since 2002 when mutt-mitt stations were first installed at the Cache Creek trailhead.

Winter patrollers are out on the trails talking with visitors about responsible use, including picking up after dogs.

“However, dog waste is still a significant problem, particularly around trailheads,” the release stated.

The Forest Service continues to receive public complaints about dogs.

“No one wants to see or accidently step in dog waste, and it can contribute to water contamination and the spread of disease,” the release states.

A 2005 water quality study the Teton Conservation District conducted found that four water samples from Cache Creek and Game Creek exceeded the state Department of Environmental Quality’s proposed standard for moderate use recreational contact. Microbial source tracking found that bird and wildlife sources contributed most to E. coli counts. However, the highest counts from domestic sources were attributed to dogs, the release states.

According to the ranger district, the problem seems to arise when people let dogs out of the car first and then put on skis and talk with friends.

Dog owners are encouraged to leave animals in the car until they are ready to head up the trail, leash dogs to a vehicle while getting ready or let dogs out, watch them, clean up the waste and then get geared up for the trail.