National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
TULE SPRINGS FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT News Release
July 7, 2021
Release No.: 2021-02
Contact: tusk_information@nps.gov
Commencement of the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument B.A.R.K. Ranger Program
LAS VEGAS - Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument launched its new B.A.R.K. Ranger program on February 20th with the help of their Friends Group, Protectors of Tule Springs (POTS). The National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger program is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative and promotes positive and safe experiences with pets in National Parks.
B.A.R.K. stands for:
Bag your pet’s waste
Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife
Know where you can go
Participants of the inaugural B.A.R.K. Ranger hike learned how to have a positive experience with their pets while visiting Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. B.A.R.K. Rangers were “sworn in" by their humans and park staff and received certificates to remind them of their pledge to follow the B.A.R.K. principles while visiting the Monument. Following this canine code helps protect native plants and wildlife, and pets.
Dog waste does not break down and decompose in the dry desert climate of Las Vegas-bagging and removing pet waste is an easy way to respect the Monument and keep it clean. Leashing your pet keeps them from disturbing native wildlife and keeps them safe in rugged terrain.
Park visitors and their pups can also have a safe and fun visit to Tule Springs Fossil Beds by following the B.A.R.K. principles, even outside of these guided hike programs on other public lands. Your dog can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger too by sharing a picture of your dog practicing the B.A.R.K. principles at Tule Springs Fossil Beds. Send your pictures to tusk_information@nps.gov to receive a Tule Springs Fossil Beds B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
