News – Sheridan Media
Dog owners have a new reason to celebrate. The Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) has announced the Off-Leash Dog Trail experiment at the Big Goose Natural Area (BGNA) has been deemed a success and will now become a permanent part of the site.
According to a release, SCLT made the decision following several months of community use during which visitors consistently demonstrated responsible off-leash behavior. SCLT Director of Recreation Jared Koenig stated that trail users played a key role in making the experiment a success by remaining on designated paths, picking up and packing out dog waste and being respectful of wildlife and other trail users.
“We’re really grateful for how well the community used the space,” Koenig said. “People showed that off-leash access can work when everyone does their part, and that gave us the confidence to make it permanent.”
SCLT leadership reminds the public that the Hay Field Trails and Cottonwood Trails are Off-Leash Trails. All other areas — including the Oxbow Trails west of the SCLT Office, the Central Trails between the SCLT Office and the Bridges gym, as well as all parking areas and roadways — remain On-Leash only.
Koenig emphasized that ongoing stewardship from the community will remain essential. SCLT urges users to continue following the off-leash guidelines: stay on marked trails, clean up after dogs, and share the space respectfully.
“We want this to stay a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone—dog owners, families, wildlife watchers, and all visitors,” Koenig said. “If people keep doing what they’ve been doing, the Off-Leash Dog Trails will remain a great resource for our community.”
The Big Goose Natural Area is open daily from dawn to dusk and is located at 14 Lane Ln. in Sheridan.
For more information, please visit SheridanCLT.org.
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Last modified: December 19, 2025